Law 401
Podcast Description
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.
IG/Bluesky/TikTok: @RWULaw
FB: facebook.com/RWULaw
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/roger-williams-university-school-of-law
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on timely legal topics relevant to Rhode Islanders, covering areas such as infrastructure law, public policy, and government accountability. For instance, the debut episode discusses the Washington Bridge closure, exploring the legal, economic, and political ramifications along with issues of transparency and public trust.
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.
In this episode of Law 401: Legal Issues Decoded, hosts Nicole and Michael dive deep into the high-profile Massachusetts trial of Lindsay Clancy, who allegedly killed her three children while suffering from severe mental illness. Joining the conversation is Roger Williams University School of Law criminal law professor and former public defender Shannon Heery.
Together, they decode the legal mechanics behind the “insanity defense,” the standards of criminal responsibility in Massachusetts, and why this case resulted in a mistrial with an 11-to-1 jury vote.
In this episode, we cover:
- Lack of Criminal Responsibility: What the legal standard means under Massachusetts law and who carries the burden of proof.
- Planning vs. Psychosis: Can someone plan an act and still lack criminal responsibility under the law?
- Archaic Legal Terminology: Why the law continues to use phrases like “mental disease or defect”.
- The Role of Expert Witnesses: How 12 jurors weigh conflicting psychiatric testimony to resolve questions of fact.
- Andrea Yates & Historical Context: Comparing public perception, medical awareness, and legal responses from 2001 to 2026.
- Jury Deliberations & Holdouts: What happens when a jury is deadlocked 11 to 1, and when a judge can—or cannot—remove a juror.
- What Happens Next? Pre-trial motions, directed verdict arguments, and the realistic challenges of finding an impartial jury for a retrial.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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