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.

Did you know that one in three Rhode Island families face food insecurity? Did you know that large grocery chains increase prices and drive out competition through a restrictive covenant?

RI Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos joins us to discuss her support for the Fair Price Grocery Agenda. This legislation focuses on reducing food deserts--communities lacking access to grocery stores with fresh, affordable options. This package of bills opposes the unfair control of large grocery chains and includes measures to improve access for all shoppers. Think seniors who are unable to use digital coupons, or anyone without a smartphone who is excluded from app-based discounts. If you care about fair prices and access to healthy food in your community, this conversation is for you. Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos

https://ltgov.ri.gov/about

Bill S2642

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2237.pdf

Fair Price Grocery Agenda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy4U_YN_amk

Robinson-Patman Act

https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/price-discrimination-robinson-patman-violations

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.

Why start civic education early? Understanding the importance of young people’s participation in democracy is the focus of this week’s conversation.

Part of an ongoing series on civics, our guest is Hillary Lima from Generation Citizen. Hillary shares why inspiring youth and giving them direct civic experience, in the classroom or at the State House, is so important.

We cover Rhode Island’s civic learning requirements with bigger questions on engagement, equity, and trust in public institutions. It also brings to light why government transparency matters more than ever in a time of deep political polarization.

Resources

Hillary Lima

https://www.generationcitizen.org/team-member/hillary-lima/

Bill S2233

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/SenateText26/S2233.pdf

Bill H7581

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Billtext/BillText26/HouseText26/H7581.pdf

Civic Literacy Act

https://governor.ri.gov/press-release...

Tufts Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

https://circle.tufts.edu/

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.