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

    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.

    47 min

  2. 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;

    41 min

  3. Jun 9

    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+  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.

    58 min

  4. Jun 2

    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

  5. 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.

    40 min

  6. 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.

    31 min

  7. 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.

    39 min

  8. May 5

    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
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Trailer

4.4
out of 5
26 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
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Show Website
    Law 401

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