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. 2D AGO

    Law 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.

    55 min

  2. APR 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

  3. APR 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

  4. APR 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.

    46 min

  5. APR 7

    Standing up for Democracy: Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island

    For a small state, why does Rhode Island have such a powerful impact on the national legal stage? A group of pro bono lawyers working under the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island (LCRI) might have something to do with it. LCRI was formed to file lawsuits challenging a range of Trump administration policies. From taking legal action against federal decisions affecting immigration, nonprofits, and education, we’ll explore how this local team of legal advocates is driving national change.  Attorney Miriam Weizenbaum, one of LCRI’s legal counsels, joins Nicole and MDB to explain the critical role LCRI plays in protecting democracy. Resources Miriam Weizenbaum https://www.dwbrlaw.com/attorneys/weizenbaum-miriam/ Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island https://www.lawyerscommitteeri.org/ “How Rhode Island became the center of the legal battle for the nation’s SNAP benefits” https://www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/how-rhode-island-became-the-center-of-the-legal-battle-for-the-nations-snap-benefits-1 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.

    47 min

  6. MAR 31

    The CROWN Act: Fighting Against Race-Based Hair Discrimination

    A Dove study found 80% of Black women feel they must change their natural hair to fit in at work. In this episode, we talk with Rhode Island State Senator Tiara Mack, the first queer Black person elected to the RI Senate and lead sponsor of the CROWN Act, “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” Sen. Mack explains the historical connection between hair and identity in Black culture, and how the CROWN Act provides legal protection against discrimination in schools and workplaces. We close on a lighter note talking about the viral dance video that made her a social media sensation.   Resources Senator Tiara T. Mack https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/mack/Pages/Biography.aspx Dove CROWN Research Study chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.law.nova.edu/current-students/orgs/blsa/dove_the_crown_reseach_study.pdf Locs, Law & Liberation https://racism.org/articles/law-and-justice/38-law-policies-and-race/12823-locs-law-liberation   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.

    40 min

  7. MAR 24

    The Tariff Power Struggle According to Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump

    Who has the power to impose tariffs—the President or Congress? Greg W. Bowman, Dean of Roger Williams University School of Law, former international trade attorney, and resident trade law subject matter expert, breaks down the Supreme Court’s decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump—the case that raises the simple question of ownership in imposing tariffs. Hosts MDB and Nicole unpack the Court’s ruling and ask the questions you want to know: Did the President exceed his authority in imposing certain tariffs? What does the SCOTUS decision mean regarding the limits of presidential emergency powers?   What happens to tariffs already being paid (hint: refunds)?  More importantly, why does the ruling matter for Rhode Island businesses and consumers who rely on global trade.      This podcast will keep you informed. Resources Dean Gregory W. Bowman https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/gregory-w-bowman Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf World Trade Organization https://www.wto.org/ 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.

    38 min

  8. MAR 17

    Childhood Abuse in RI Catholic Churches: What’s Next?

    Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, joins us to discuss her legislation that would allow survivors of childhood abuse to file civil claims for up to 35 years. The measure would hold institutions and individuals accountable for child abuse negligence or cover up. She also shares why it’s deeply personal. The legislation comes as a recent report by RI Attorney General Peter Neronha identified decades of abuse. The report found that 75 priests were accused of abusing 300 victims in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. This is a sensitive but important issue that affects communities across Rhode Island. Resources Carol Hagan McEntee https://www.rilegislature.gov/representatives/mcentee/Pages/Biography.aspx H 7200 Legislation chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7200.pdf Report on Child Abuse https://riag.ri.gov/diocese-report   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.

    50 min
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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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Show Website
    Law 401

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