Law 401

Roger Williams University School of Law
  • 4.4 (26)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. MAR 10

    The Algorithm Will See You Now — AI Bias You Don’t See

    Episode 24’s guest, RWU law professor Natalia Friedlander, explores a critical question: Is it possible for Artificial Intelligence to have bias? AI influences decisions in health care, housing, education, and courts. Exactly how does AI exhibit or apply hidden bias – and how could that legally affect you? We examine who is responsible when AI systems produce biased outcomes. What safeguards are in place for Rhode Islanders? From legal education to public policy, we uncover that AI is not just a tech issue but also a matter of fairness, accountability, and justice. Resources Natalia Friedlander https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/natalia-friedlander Rhode Island’s AI Task Force Report https://etss.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur466/files/2026-01/Final-Rhode-Island-AI-Action-Plan-Report-2026-01-26.pdf Harvard Law’s Principles for AI Governance https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-138/beyond-section-230-principles-for-ai-governance/   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.

    46 min

  6. MAR 3

    Is Greenland for Sale? The Answer Rhode Island Needs

    Are talks of the US acquiring Greenland just political theatre? RWU Law professor Gregory Noone joins us to explain the legal realities behind headlines. This topic involves serious issues of sovereignty, mineral rights, national security, and international law. Learn about Greenland’s status as a sovereign territory within Denmark and the probability of the US legally acquiring it. The conversation also brings international policy closer to home, explaining how national security reasoning abroad can shape decisions here in RI. Resources Dr. Gregory P. Noone https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/gregory-p-noone https://www.publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/dr-gregory-p-noone-bio Article 5 NATO https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/introduction-to-nato/collective-defence-and-article-5   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.

    41 min

  7. FEB 24

    Rhode Island: The Civics We Teach, the Democracy We Get

    In the Season 2 premiere of Law 401, hosts MDB and Nicole sit down with Representative June Speakman to discuss the state of civic education in Rhode Island. Drawing on her experience as a legislator and professor at Roger Williams University, Rep. Speakman explores how civics should work vs how it really plays out in classrooms and at the State House. The conversation looks at Rhode Island’s 2021 Civic Literacy Act, which requires proficiency for all public high school grads. It also examines whether K–12 educators have the time and funding to teach meaningful civics. And what protesting and voicing your opinion looks like when done respectfully. Resources: Representative June Speakman https://www.rilegislature.gov/representatives/speakman/Pages/Biography.aspx https://www.rwu.edu/academics/schools/fssns/faculty/june-s-speakman Civic Literacy Act https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-legislation-civics-education-schools Cook v. McKee https://clearinghouse.net/case/43400/ 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.

    30 min

  8. 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
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4.4
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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
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Roger Williams University School of Law
  • Show Website
    Law 401

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