Q: Can I use the text from public prison records as lyrics?
I have compiled the final statements of executed American prisoners from public prison records online. These statements were spoken by prisoners who are all now deceased, and now are recorded with the rest of the execution information. Is it possible that these are copyrighted in any way? Or can I use the text?
A:
There is an inherent copyright owned by the creator, and his/her estate has rights over it.
Check if there was any release signed by them. If there is any specific waiver by the fact they were prisoners. Maybe the prison system has some rights in the copyrights.
Your best bet would be to get the estate/next of kin, to release you from any liability. If the purpose is educational or non profit, you may be able to get them to agree. Otherwise they (who knows how many) may want $
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