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. 12/23/2025

    Fa La La La Law: Is Santa Trespassing? Holiday Laws You’ve Never Thought About

    In this festive two-part season finale of Law 401: Legal Issues Decoded, hosts MDB and Nicole welcome lawyer and improv performer James Bagley L’12, for a fun dive into the quirks of holiday law—from Santa’s chimney “break-ins,” elf labor laws to glowing yard displays—legal angles you’ve probably never considered! Capping this episode is a special year-one best-moments review, with the hosts looking back on their favorite conversations, wildest legal hypotheticals, and a forward look as they gear up for an even more relevant season two.   Resources James Bagley James J. Bagley, (he/they), is Defense Counsel for the Mental Health Treatment Court and a Staff Attorney with the Office of the Mental Health Advocate’s Office.  James studied theatre at the University of Rhode Island, comedy at the Magnet Theatre (NYC) and later the Providence Improv Guild, where he was a house team performer for eight years. Don’t Miss an Episode Subscribe, like us, drop a review, and follow us to catch past episodes. Big things are coming! https://linktr.ee/rwulaw   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.

    49 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Justice with Care: Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Survivors

    Intimate partner violence affects thousands of Rhode Islanders, and the systems meant to protect survivors can be overwhelming to navigate. In this episode, Sojourner House Staff Attorney Yulyana Torres L’23, breaks down the data, the terminology, and the lived experiences behind Sojourner’s launch of legal services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.   We explore respectful language, client-led advocacy, trauma-informed representation, disparities in access to representation, and the systemic barriers survivors face in Rhode Island. A powerful listen for both lawyers and community members, offering a sharper view of how we can better support survivors.  Resources  Yulyana Torres  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yulyana-torres-381381156/  Sojourner House https://sojournerri.org/press-release-sojourner-house-to-launch-legal-services-program-for-victims-of-abuse/

    42 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    Beyond the Lens: The Reality of Body-Worn Cameras in Rhode Island

    This Law 401 episode examines the difference between expectations of body-worn cameras and their real outcomes.  Rhode Island Public Defender and RWU Law Adjunct Professor Collin Geiselman joins hosts Nicole and Michael to break down how Rhode Island’s camera program works in real life, including what gets recorded, what doesn’t, who can access footage, and why the “truth” on video is often more complicated than it looks. We explore policy limits, privacy concerns, courtroom use, transparency, and what reforms Rhode Island still needs as body cameras become central to modern policing. Resources Collin Mathew Geiselman, Rhode Island Office of Public Defender http://www.ripd.org/officedivisions.html https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/collin-mathew-geiselman Body-Worn Cameras https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/110-RICR-10-00-2_Clean_Proposed-1.pdf APRA https://dhs.ri.gov/public-records

    48 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    Keeping Up with AI: Are Student Protections Falling Behind?

    AI tools are quickly entering Rhode Island classrooms, from monitoring software to learning platforms, but the laws protecting students haven’t kept up. Attorney and RWU Law adjunct professor Linn Foster Freedman breaks down what FERPA, COPPA, and state-level policies cover. And what Rhode Island can learn from states like Texas and California as they roll out their own AI governance rules. We explore: How schools can balance safety with privacy Why parents need to guide students in ethical tech What questions families and districts should ask before adopting new systems Resources Linn Foster Freedman https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/linn-foster-freedman FERPA https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa COPPA https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa CA’s AI Policy https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/09/29/governor-newsom-signs-sb-53-advancing-californias-world-leading-artificial-intelligence-industry/ TX’s AI Policy https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB00149I.pdf Subscribe now https://linktr.ee/rwulaw

    43 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Immigration Close Encounters: Rights, Risks, and Responses

    In this episode of Law 401, we welcome immigration attorney Zachary Lyons L’17 to explain Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, a recent California Supreme Court case that reopened the door to immigration stops based on “reasonable suspicion.”  We discussed how perceived ethnicity or speaking a foreign language can factor into an immigration stop and what the decision means for Fourth Amendment rights for all Rhode Islanders. Resources Zachary Lyons https://law.rwu.edu/alumni/alumni-association/law-alumni-association-board-directors Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/25a169_5h25.pdf RWU Immigration Clinic https://law.rwu.edu/academics/juris-doctor/clinics-and-externships/immigration-clinic Dorcas International Institute of RI https://www.diiri.org/ Amor https://amorri.org/ Progresso Latino https://www.progresolatino.org/

    47 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    The Era of the Taylor Swift Tax

    Rhode Island Senator Meghan Kallman joins us to break down the much-talked-about proposal known as the “Taylor Swift Tax” and the ABCs of tax policy. She’s calling for wealthy non-residents with second homes valued over $1 million to pay their fair share and explains the data showing “millionaire flight” as a myth. This episode shines a light on Rhode Island’s upside-down tax code where working people shoulder more of the burden. We also dig into how decades of underbuilding have fueled the state’s housing crisis and what’s being done to fix it, from zoning reform to new funding for affordable housing. Resources: Meghan Kallman https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/kallman/Pages/Biography.aspx Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax Act https://tax.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur541/files/2025-07/2025_summary_of_legislative_changes.pdf The Economic Progress Institute https://economicprogressri.org/publications/epi-policy-brief-moving-beyond-the-mass-exodus-tax-flight-myth

    41 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    When Cosplay is Fair Play

    Rhode Island Comic Con is back, and cosplay fans are preparing to bring their favorite characters to life. But what legal rules come into play behind the costumes? Hosts Michael Donnelly-Boylen and Nicole Dyszlewski sit down with attorney and cosplayer Blake Johnson L’21, to explore intellectual property, fair use, and the dos and don’ts of fandom.  Is it legal to dress as a branded character, and what laws are behind it? From copyright rules to fan art, trademark issues, and building creative careers in Rhode Island, this episode explores why cosplayers pour time, effort, and imagination into their costumes. And what the law has to say about it. Resources Blake Johnson https://www.sheehanlawoffice.net/blake Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders v. Scoreboard Posters https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/summaries/dallcowboys-scoreboard-5thcir1979.pdf Santopietro v. Howell https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2017/05/24/14-16324.pdf

    55 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    This Used to Be My Playground: The Case of Morley Field

    Just waking up to the fight to reopen Morley Field? Join our guest, Pawtucket City Councilor and attorney Clovis Gregor, as we unpack the dispute over Woodlawn’s only green space and the push to restore it for public use rather than turn it into a parking lot. What started as a few neighbors speaking up became a microcosm of environmental justice in Rhode Island, raising questions about stewardship, transparency, and public participation in local decision-making. Learn how advocacy and community organizing among the “Friends of Morley Field” are turning the tide toward rehabilitation and recreation, not pavement. Resources: Clovis Gregor https://www.clovisglaw.com/ Save Morley Field https://linktr.ee/savemorleyfield? RI Environmental Education Association https://www.rieea.org/reopenmorleyfield/ ecoRI News https://ecori.org/removal-of-morley-field-will-reduce-green-space-in-pawtucket-neighborhood-thats-already-a-park-desert/

    41 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Show Website
    Law 401

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