Law 401

Roger Williams University School of Law

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 listeners through these complex issues with insightful, jargon-free conversations—and a bit of fun—making the law more accessible, one episode at a time. RWU Law is the only law school in Rhode Island. Facebook: @law401  LinkedIn, TikTok, X:  @law401podcast Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Law 401 podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hassenfeld Family Foundation nor Roger Williams University School of Law. 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.

  1. 4d ago

    11 to 1 Holdout: The Lindsay Clancy Mistrial & Jury Rules Explained

    In this episode of Law 401: Legal Issues Decoded, hosts Nicole and Michael dive deep into the high-profile Massachusetts trial of Lindsay Clancy, who allegedly killed her three children while suffering from severe mental illness. Joining the conversation is Roger Williams University School of Law criminal law professor and former public defender Shannon Heery.   Together, they decode the legal mechanics behind the "insanity defense," the standards of criminal responsibility in Massachusetts, and why this case resulted in a mistrial with an 11-to-1 jury vote. In this episode, we cover: Lack of Criminal Responsibility: What the legal standard means under Massachusetts law and who carries the burden of proof. Planning vs. Psychosis: Can someone plan an act and still lack criminal responsibility under the law? Archaic Legal Terminology: Why the law continues to use phrases like "mental disease or defect". The Role of Expert Witnesses: How 12 jurors weigh conflicting psychiatric testimony to resolve questions of fact. Andrea Yates & Historical Context: Comparing public perception, medical awareness, and legal responses from 2001 to 2026. Jury Deliberations & Holdouts: What happens when a jury is deadlocked 11 to 1, and when a judge can—or cannot—remove a juror. What Happens Next? Pre-trial motions, directed verdict arguments, and the realistic challenges of finding an impartial jury for a retrial.

  2. Sep 29

    Dolly Parton vs. Polly Darton: When Legal Parody Hits Trademark Limits

    What happens when a clever joke collides with federal trademark law? In this episode of Law 401, hosts Nicole and Michael explore a unique Rhode Island legal dispute involving country music icon Dolly Parton and a local food truck company called The Perky Turkey, which attempted to trademark the name "Polly Darton" for a turkey restaurant.   Joined by guest attorney and legal scholar Luke Blackadar, Deputy Director of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston and entertainment law professor, we unpack the mechanics of trademark rights, brand dilution, and First Amendment protections for parody.    In this episode, we cover: What is a Trademark? From brand names and logos to non-conventional "trade dress" like Pizza Hut roofs.    Common Law vs. Federal Registration: Why trademark rights come from use rather than filing paperwork.    Dolly Parton vs. Polly Darton: How Dolly’s legal team opposed the trademark application before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).    The DuPont Factors: How courts and the USPTO decide if two brand names are confusingly similar.    Parody vs. Commercial Use: Why making a joke on Saturday Night Live is legally different from putting a celebrity-pun name on a food truck or merchandise.    Trademark Clearance Searches: Practical steps small businesses must take before picking a brand name.    Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, small business owner, or country music fan, tune in to learn how intellectual property law works in the real world!

  3. Sep 22

    Rhode Island Shoreline Access: Who Has the Right to the Shore?

    Who has the right to access Rhode Island’s shoreline, and what happens when public access points are difficult to find or reach? On this episode of the LAW 401 Podcast, hosts Nicole and Michael speak with Kate McCarthy, a community organizer with Save The Bay, about Rhode Island’s public shoreline access laws and the state’s 236 designated rights of way. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not provide legal advice.

  4. Sep 15

    The Last Don of Providence: Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio and the Rhode Island Mob

    What can the story of Providence mob boss Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio reveal about organized crime and the law in Rhode Island? On this episode of the LAW 401 Podcast, WPRI investigative reporter Tim White joins hosts Nicole and Michael to discuss Manocchio’s life, his rise in the New England Mafia and the legal cases that shaped his story. White produced The Last Don of Providence, an in-depth look at Manocchio and the rise and decline of organized crime in New England.   This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not provide legal advice.

  5. Sep 8

    The Real Housewives of Rhode Island & the Law: What’s Real and What’s Not?

    What’s real and what’s not when it comes to Rhode Island law and The Real Housewives of Rhode Island? On this episode of the LAW 401 Podcast, Bekah Berger, co-host of the morning show on 92 PRO-FM and host of Real Talk Rhody, joins the conversation to break down RHORI, reality TV, and the legal questions behind the drama. The episode explores Rhode Island laws and real-life legal questions raised by the show, including no-siren ordinances, while also looking at Rhode Island culture, geography and the story of how The Real Housewives of Rhode Island came to the Ocean State. It’s a conversation about where reality TV meets Rhode Island law — and what’s actually real. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not provide legal advice.

  6. Jun 30

    Civic Engagement and Community Participation with David Cicilline

    Continuing Law 401's season-long exploration of civics, hosts MDB and Nicole sit down with David Cicilline, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. They discuss what it means to be an engaged citizen. Drawing on Cicilline’s experience as a state rep, Mayor of Providence, member of Congress, and civic leader, he reflects on public service, civic participation and trust in institutions. Join us for a conversation about identity, representation, and the many ways Rhode Islanders can make a difference in their communities. Resources David Cicilline https://rifoundation.org/about/team Community Foundations for Civic Health https://cfleads.org/civic-health/ 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.

  7. Jun 23

    Citizens United, Dark Money, and Super PACs Explained

    Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins us for a conversation on Citizens United v. FEC, dark money, Super PACs, and money’s influence on elections. Senator Whitehouse explains how the Supreme Court’s decision transformed campaign finance, the role of outside groups in molding the courts, and what reforms like transparency laws and the DISCLOSE Act could change going forward. Resources Senator Sheldon Whitehouse https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/ Citizens United v. FEC https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/citizens-united-v-fec/ DISCLOSE Act  https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/512   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.

  8. Jun 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 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;

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4.4
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

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 listeners through these complex issues with insightful, jargon-free conversations—and a bit of fun—making the law more accessible, one episode at a time. RWU Law is the only law school in Rhode Island. Facebook: @law401  LinkedIn, TikTok, X:  @law401podcast Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on the Law 401 podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hassenfeld Family Foundation nor Roger Williams University School of Law. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Show Website
    Law 401

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