Behind Closed Doors: Grand Juries in Rhode Island

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 [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 [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 [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.

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.

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 [https://www.sos.ri.gov/about-us] Rhode Island Voter Information Center https://vote.sos.ri.gov/ [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 [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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUhNTUFELXBuUHN5b3owaVh4QnFYV2h0TGtNZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttbFYyS0h3ZEhlaWFFU0g3bmJxeUdhTzhFVVBHS1JDX3NvWFFwRWFfNkpaWEpsMkpjeHkyUTJBU0FFSzQ3SFhQOUVTTmU1cWZRVl8zcEFzRVBJOUU0Zk5LcWpfQkkwQmRPbFY4RXRWeTB4elNnMnZCOA&q=https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/&v=giAw2JOHEzU]   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.

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 [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/ [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/  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa25DWm9Dc0wxYmNwOTh2NjV6cC0wYlRHcHdYUXxBQ3Jtc0ttSms2ZU5CUDJVaVpHVEZwVm45eEw1RWdYTWVWMFBzRTRHeFpGWU5lNzJUbmJuNDBvVDBVZ2JuTWloMXd0blBWcmRvdDc5UTcyZUZRa2hzWFh4cHE1bnprZlplVUVjX19kdTNXTFJQbllUNkVvc2FPOA&q=https://www.wpri.com/wpri-12-tv-app/%25E2%2580%25AF&v=GfMXXJtIxGw] 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.

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 [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/  [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.