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.

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.

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

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.