Law 401

By Roger Williams University School of LawSociety & Culture

Law 401 episodes

June 16 Are Flock Cameras Protecting Rhode Island or Invading Privacy?
Are Flock Cameras Protecting Rhode Island or Invading Privacy?
Flock cameras are at the center of this episode of Law 401: Legal Issues Decoded. MDB and Nicole
explore how license plate reader surveillance technology is being used across Rhode Island. Joined by
Professor David Lambert of Roger Williams University, they discuss who has access to the data, how it’s
used in investigations, and whether it really improves public safety. They cover concerns about privacy,
oversight, and potential misuse, offering key considerations for residents and local officials.
Resources
David Lambert, Assistant Dean of the School of Justice Studies and Director of the Justice System
Training and Research Institute at Roger Williams University
https://www.rwu.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/sjs/faculty/david-lambert
Automated License Plate Readers Bill H077
chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/
HouseText26/H8077.pdf
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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations;
42 min
June 09 Rhode Island Voting Rights Act Explained
MDB and Nicole welcome back Senator Tiara Mack to discuss what the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act means for minority voters, and why the debate is happening now.
Senator Mack breaks down the legal, political, and historical issues behind the State House bill aimed at protecting voters from discrimination. You’ll also learn about the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark federal law that reduced racial disparities in voter turnout. And how the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais affects key voting rights protections.
Resources
Senator Tiara Mack
https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/mack/Pages/Biography.aspx
RI Voting Rights Act
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S3143.pdf
Louisiana v. Callais
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-109_21o3.pdf
Shelby Co. v. Holder
https://www.lawyerscommittee.org/project/shelby-co-v-holder/
WPRI 12+ free TV app 
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ 
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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
59 min
June 02 Taylor Swift, Prenups & Rhode Island Marriage Law
Rhode Island marriage law, prenups, postnuptial agreements and divorce are all up for discussion in this episode. Jolee E. Vacchi, Esq., known as “The Compassionate Divorce Attorney,” explains the legal side of relationships. Inspired by rumors about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s possible Rhode Island wedding, Jolee explores how marriage laws affect everyone, from celebrities to Rhode Islanders. If you’re curious about Rhode Island family law, this episode offers an entertaining yet compassionate look on the topic.
Resources
Attorney Jolee E. Vacchi
https://foundationsfamilylaw.com/about/
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
https://health.ri.gov/vital-records
WPRI 12+ free TV app 
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ 
https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/ 

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
33 min
May 26 Scam Texts, Online Fraud & Consumer Protection Laws
Joining the podcast is Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo to discuss the growing fight to protect consumers from online scams. Congressman Amo walks us through how scammers are using AI to become more sophisticated, how the law is trying to keep pace, and what legal reforms are required to protect consumers. The conversation also covers the BETS OFF Act, focused on preventing those with inside knowledge from profiting through bets on war, political violence, and national tragedy.
Congressman Gabe Amo
https://amo.house.gov/about
BETS OFF Act
https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-murphy-casar-ansari-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-ban-prediction-markets-from-enabling-officials-to-bet-on-and-profit-off-war
Legislation Combating Scams
https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-introduces-bipartisan-legislative-package-to-protect-consumers-from-surging-scams-and-financial-fraudsters
WPRI 12+ free TV app
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
41 min
May 19 Abortion, Contraception, and Access in Rhode Island
In this episode, we discuss what abortion and contraception laws mean for families across Rhode Island. Joined by Senator Dawn Euer, we look at her efforts to ensure no-cost contraceptives continue to be covered by insurers in Rhode Island, despite what happens on the federal level. From crisis pregnancy centers to insurance gaps and new contraception legislation, this conversation uncovers how policy decisions impact real-world reproductive freedom. We also touch on Senator Euer’s efforts to support media literacy as part of civic education in Rhode Island schools.

References
RI Senator Dawn Euer
https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/euer/Pages/Biography.aspx
Contraceptive Coverage Bill S2254
https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376323
Media Literacy Bill S0638
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0638.pdf
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf
WPRI 12+ free TV app 
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+  https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/ 
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
32 min
May 12 Who Controls Elections in Rhode Island? Voting Laws Explained
Rhode Island voting rights are the focus of this week’s episode, as we unpack how elections really work — from voter registration and ID requirements to the officials and systems that run the process behind the scenes. Hosts Michael and Nicole sit down with Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore to discuss the structure of election administration, the balance of state and federal power, and what “nationalizing elections” really means. If you’ve ever wondered who controls your vote and how secure and accessible the system is, this will give you the clarity every voter should have.

Resources
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore
https://www.sos.ri.gov/about-us
Rhode Island Voter Information Center
https://vote.sos.ri.gov/
“Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit seeking personal details about Rhode Island voters,” PBS News
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-lawsuit-seeking-personal-details-about-rhode-island-voters
WPRI 12+ free TV app Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+ https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
40 min
May 05Law School Admissions: Guidance from the Author of Law School for Dummies
Law school admissions: This conversation will change how you think about getting in. Join us for step-by-step guidance through the entire admissions journey. Our guest is Tracy L. Simmons, MDB’s personal friend, author of Law School For Dummies (2nd Edition), and Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law.
With nearly 30 years of experience in law school admissions, student affairs, and financial aid, Tracy has led thousands of hopeful lawyers through the entire process. Now, this conversation will help you do the same, covering:
How to choose the right law school for you… beyond rankings
Breaking into law school as a first-gen or non-traditional applicant
What admissions really look for in essays (the “secret sauce”)
Why the LSAT still matters and how it can shape your options
How financial aid is changing and what it means to you

Resources
Tracy L. Simmons
https://profiles.howard.edu/tracy-simmons
Law for School for Dummies, 2nd Edition
https://www.dummies.com/book/academics-the-arts/law/general-law/law-school-for-dummies-282348/
WPRI 12+ free TV app 
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+  https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/ 
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
56 min
April 28 Behind Closed Doors: Grand Juries in Rhode Island
In this episode, we examine grand juries in Rhode Island, institutions that play a powerful role in Rhode Island’s criminal justice system. When cases “go to the grand jury,” what really happens behind closed doors, and how does that influence public trust?
Joined by Professor Shannon Heery of RWU School of Law, we discuss how grand juries work, why they matter, and whether the system is living up to its purpose.
In this episode:
3:00 Why do grand juries exist and what role are they meant to play?
3:11 How federal and state grand juries differ in structure.
8:00 Breaking down the core purpose behind a grand jury.
11:12 What “probable cause” really means in practice.
14:38 The Fifth Amendment and its connection to grand jury proceedings.
15:35 What it’s actually like to serve on a grand jury.
23:15 Why grand juries often become the focus of news coverage.
30:27 The most common criticisms surrounding grand juries.
36:18 Which states rely most heavily on grand juries.
44:26 The biggest misconceptions on how grand juries work.
Resources
Professor Shannon Heery
https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/shannon-heery
What is a grand jury? DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/jm/jm-9-11000-grand-jury
“Understanding the grand jury ruling on Michael Brown's death,” PBS NewsHour
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/understanding-grand-jury-ruling-michael-browns-death
WPRI 12+ free TV app
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+
https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
52 min
April 21 Rhode Island: What’s Driving Up Your Grocery Bill?
Did you know that one in three Rhode Island families face food insecurity? Did you know that large grocery chains increase prices and drive out competition through a restrictive covenant?
RI Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos joins us to discuss her support for the Fair Price Grocery Agenda. This legislation focuses on reducing food deserts--communities lacking access to grocery stores with fresh, affordable options. This package of bills opposes the unfair control of large grocery chains and includes measures to improve access for all shoppers. Think seniors who are unable to use digital coupons, or anyone without a smartphone who is excluded from app-based discounts. If you care about fair prices and access to healthy food in your community, this conversation is for you.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos
https://ltgov.ri.gov/about
Bill S2642
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2237.pdf
Fair Price Grocery Agenda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy4U_YN_amk
Robinson-Patman Act
https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/price-discrimination-robinson-patman-violations
WPRI 12+ free TV app
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+
https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
32 min
April 14 Generation Citizen: Inspiring NextGen
Why start civic education early? Understanding the importance of young people’s participation in democracy is the focus of this week’s conversation.
Part of an ongoing series on civics, our guest is Hillary Lima from Generation Citizen. Hillary shares why inspiring youth and giving them direct civic experience, in the classroom or at the State House, is so important.
We cover Rhode Island’s civic learning requirements with bigger questions on engagement, equity, and trust in public institutions. It also brings to light why government transparency matters more than ever in a time of deep political polarization.
Resources
Hillary Lima
https://www.generationcitizen.org/team-member/hillary-lima/
Bill S2233
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2233.pdf
Bill H7581
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Billtext/BillText26/HouseText26/H7581.pdf
Civic Literacy Act
https://governor.ri.gov/press-release...
Tufts Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement
https://circle.tufts.edu/
WPRI 12+ free TV app
Stream bite-size episodes of Law 401 anytime on WPRI 12+
https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/
Disclaimer The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.
47 min

About Law 401

From the publisher's feed

Law 401 is a podcast from Roger Williams University School of Law that unpacks timely and relevant legal topics impacting Rhode Islanders. Hosts Nicole Dyszlewski and Michael Donnelly-Boylen guide…