Episode 84: Netflix's The Crash: Our Legal Take

Episode 84: Netflix's The Crash: Our Legal Take

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey kick off a new summer series focused on popular documentaries and true crime stories. This first episode centers on Netflix's The Crash, which examines the case of Mackenzie Shirilla, a teenager convicted of murder after driving a car into a wall at over 100 miles per hour, killing her boyfriend and another passenger. Lauren and Lacey discuss whether the evidence truly supported a murder conviction or whether a lesser charge such as manslaughter would have been more appropriate. They discuss the role of intent, the decision to have a bench trial instead of a jury trial, questions surrounding Mackenzie’s medical condition, and how public perception may have influenced the outcome. The episode also tackles broader issues involving parenting, accountability, social media, and the challenge of separating a person's character from the legal standard required for a criminal conviction. Contact The Lawmas: thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

Episode 83: Guest Lori S. Murray: The Legal Strategy Behind Murdaugh Round Two

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lacey is joined by fellow South Carolina attorney Lori S. Murray for a discussion into the federal side of the Alex Murdaugh case. After weeks of questions surrounding Murdaugh’s overturned murder conviction and ongoing financial crime sentences, Lori helps break down how federal sentencing actually works, including parole, concurrent sentences, and why Murdaugh is still unlikely to ever leave prison even if he were acquitted at a retrial. The conversation also explores the political and strategic questions surrounding the retrial itself, including whether the state should pursue the death penalty and whether retrying the case is worth the massive cost and media attention. Lori and Lacey discuss trial strategy, the possibility of a venue change, jury sequestration, and how the defense team may approach the case differently the second time around. They also touch on the role of perception in the courtroom and why having a more visible female attorney on the defense team could matter in a case involving the murder of a wife and son. The Lawmas can be reached at thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com [thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com] #alexmurdaugh #lorimurray #thelawmaspodcast #murdaughretrial

Episode 82: Becky Hill, Financial Crimes, and the Retrial Ahead For Murdaugh

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey continue their discussion of the Alex Murdaugh case after taking time to read the South Carolina Supreme Court’s order granting him a new trial. They talk through the court’s confusing guidance on the use of financial crimes as evidence, explaining why the justices seemed to agree that some of the evidence was relevant but that the prosecution went too far in how much was presented. The conversation also explores what happens next, including the state’s decision to retry the case, the possibility of seeking the death penalty, and the strategic and political factors influencing those decisions. Lauren and Lacey discuss Murdaugh’s federal lawsuit against former Clerk of Court Becky Hill and whether she could realistically be held financially responsible for the costs of a retrial. Along the way, they share their thoughts on federal sentencing, capital defense, and the many legal questions still surrounding one of South Carolina’s most closely watched cases. #thelawmas #murdaugh #beckyhill #lawmoms #lawpodcast

Episode 81: Inside the Decision to Grant Murdaugh a New Trial

In this special breaking-news episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey scrap their planned topic to discuss the South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision to grant Alex Murdaugh a new murder trial. Recorded just hours after the ruling, they explain what led to the decision, including jury tampering by former Clerk of Court Becky Hill, and why the right to a fair trial must be protected regardless of the defendant. The conversation explores the legal and practical implications of retrying one of the most closely watched cases in South Carolina history. Lauren and Lacey discuss whether the state should pursue a new trial, how Murdaugh’s existing federal sentence factors into the equation, and what changes in trial strategy could occur the second time around. They also share candid thoughts on the broader issue of fairness in the justice system and why many defendants without resources may never receive the same opportunity to challenge serious errors. Contact us: thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com #murdaughmurders #thelawmaspodcast #retrial #retryingacase #breakingnews

Episode 80: When Arrests Become Public Entertainment

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey pause their ongoing discussion about the FLDS documentary to talk about several headline-making stories closer to home. They explore the tension between journalism and criminal defense after a well-known retired doctor is arrested on indecent exposure charges, discussing public records, media responsibility, and the importance of reporting outcomes fairly, not just arrests. The episode also get into a bizarre self-defense case out of their hometown involving an axe, an alleged assault outside a tanning salon, and the complications of public perception when stories unfold online in real time. Along the way, Lauren and Lacey reflect on how quickly communities react to criminal accusations and the role local media plays in shaping those conversations. The conversation closes with a candid discussion about school bathroom policies after hearing stories from parents and students dealing with health issues, embarrassment, and disciplinary threats for simply needing to use the restroom. As always, the episode blends legal insight with personal stories and real-world frustrations.