Shows
Law With Mr. LafayetteFallout Continues From the Karen Read Trial.On July 1, 2024, Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial in the case of Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Karen Read. The jury communicated with the judge that they were deadlocked on Count 2 of the three counts before them. The host of this podcast, René Lafayette, goes on to explain what happened in the hours and days since.
2024-07-1110 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteA Jury View: Bring a Jury to the Scene of the Crime.Drawing from the experience of attending a jury view when he was High Sheriff of Providence County Rhode Island in 1992, René Lafayette explains the process and what jurors do and why.
2024-05-1408 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRecap of Day 2 of the Karen Read Murder TrialTuesday, April 30, 2024 marked the second day of the high profile murder trial of Karen Read held in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham Massachusetts. Far from being an average judicial proceeding, the defense team wasted little time in planting “reasonable doubt” in the minds of the jurors. In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette,” René Lafayette explains the twist of events that occurred as prosecution witnesses had to explain inconsistencies in their testimony.
2024-05-0106 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteOn the Eve of the Trial: Commonwealth v. Karen Read.In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette“ the case of Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Karen Read is discussed. The case is being heard before Superior Court judge Beverly Cannone in Superior Court in Dedham starting today, April 29, 2024. The case is already garnered widespread publicity and attention including extensive coverage by Courttv.com. Read is being charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, whose bruised and frozen body was found outside the Canton, Massachusetts home of a fellow officer the morning of January 29, 2022.
2024-04-2906 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Brandenburg Test: Free Speech In FocusThe Brandenburg Test is a pivotal standard for free speech in the United States. In this episode, it is discussed by René Lafayette.
2024-04-1405 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSay His Name: Jonathan Diller, NYC Police Department.On Monday, March 25, 2024, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, age 31, a husband and the father of a one year old son, Ryan was shot and killed by a career criminal with 21 prior arrests. In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette” our host, René Lafayette presents his analysis through the prism of his ten years as the High Sheriff of Providence County, Rhode Island.
2024-04-1306 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge: A Bridge Too Far or Just Too Costly?On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge at 1:30 a.m. collapsed seconds after a 984 foot cargo ship, MV Dali, hit the bridge’s pillar. Maritime law experts say that the ship’s owners will probably use an 1851 law to cap damages after it was used by the White Star Line in the wake of the 1912 Titanic disaster. René Lafayette, host of “Law With Mr. Lafayette” shares his analysis.
2024-03-2912 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteMurthy v. Missouri or will free speech remain free?In today’s episode, René Lafayette, host of Law With Mr. Lafayette provides an overview of the recently argued case of Murphy v. Missouri. This is a case about balancing government censorship against the first amendment guarantee of freedom of speech in this digital age. Arising from “misinformation“ during the COVID-19 pandemic that was posted or attempted to be posted on social media the question before the court will be should there be any restrictions that are Applied to an individual’s freedom of speech?
2024-03-2904 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteMI v. James Crumbley, second parent convicted of involuntary manslaughter.I am very pleased, truly honored to dedicate this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette“ to a student who I had last year, an exchange student from France, Lucie de Gibon, who has been listening to my podcast over the past year and a half. On Thursday, March 14, 2024, James Crumbley was convicted by a jury of four counts of involuntary manslaughter arising from the actions of his son Ethan in 2022 when he was 15 years old. Known as the Oxford High School shooting, in addition to the fatal shooting of four students, seven others were wounded. The precedent for parents in simi...
2024-03-1510 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteUnderstanding the Attorney-Client Privilege.In this episode of the Law With Mr. Lafayette, we explore the fundamental principle of attorney client privilege, it’s significance and preserving confidentiality, and real world. Examples that illustrate its importance.
2024-03-1104 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSCOTUS to Hear Oral Arguments on April 25 On Trump Immunity CaseThe Supreme Court of the United States announced earlier today that they have scheduled oral arguments on former President Trump’s immunity case for April 25. The impact of this case with the decision reached by the court will be another historic first listen as René Lafayette explains his take on this case.
2024-03-0806 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteA Victory for Democracy! SCOTUS unanimously decides in Favor of Former President Donald J. Trump.In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette“ the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States reversing the Colorado Supreme Court decision to remove former president Donald Trump from the states primary ballot has been unanimously reversed. Listen as René Lafayette, provides commentary on this historic decision in Trump v. Anderson.
2024-03-0606 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIntroducing the amicus brief to the Street & Practical Law ClassroomDrawing from notes that were drafted in February 2023, while in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, René Lafayette, the host of Law with Mr. Lafayette explains a new concept to review and better understand Landmark decisions. Students are invited to create an Amicus brief based on a landmark Supreme Court decision, in this episode, the steps and application are explained.
2024-02-2008 min
Troubled Men PodcastTMP267 CC ADCOCK: LAFAYETTE MARQUISThe guitar player, songwriter, record producer, and cofounder of Lafayette swamp pop supergroup Lil’ Band O' Gold has spent the last years recording and touring with the legendary singer and “Sweet Dreams” composer Tommy McLain. Their album “I Ran Down Every Dream,” cowritten with Elvis Costello, has led them to national TV appearances and prestigious concert halls around the world. With his role in the new “Road House” movie remake coming out, CC drags in his hilarious bass player and master luthier Jason Burns plus Voodoo Fest founder, Chickie Wah Wah co-owner, and former NFL Safety Steve Rehage for a tag team thr...
2024-02-151h 18Law With Mr. LafayetteIn plain sight: the scope and limits of permissible searches.The term “in plain sight“ has long been a focal point when discussing legal and constitutional rights, especially in the context of the Fourth Amendment. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, René Lafayette discusses what is permitted and what is disallowed under this Amendment.
2024-02-0205 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteUnraveling Justice: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court v. Hampden County District AttorneyIn this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, a recent reprimand by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, directed at the district attorney of Hampden County focuses on whether or not, the exculpatory rule was followed.
2024-02-0105 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteNavigating the Legal Landscape: Mandatory v. Persuasive Authorities.In this inaugural episode of season 8 of “Law With Mr. Lafayette” the difference between mandatory and persuasive authorities are discussed.
2024-01-3104 minLaw With Mr. LafayettePlessy v. Ferguson Reviewed and RevisitedThe Landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson from 1896 is the subject of this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette. This is the case that established the social and legal fallacy of “separate but equal.“ Intern, it laid the legal foundation for not only Jim Crow laws, but other Racially inspired, segregationist legislation. In this episode, René Lafayette, a social studies and law teacher at Leominster High School in Leominster Massachusetts, gives an overview of Plessy v. Ferguson, and its impact on the American legal system.
2023-12-1304 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe exclusionary rule, safeguarding constitutional rights in search and seizure.What can or cannot be collected by law-enforcement during the course of a search and seizure of your home, your car, your vehicle, your backpack? In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the exclusionary rule so-called is discussed and explained.
2023-12-0805 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRemembering Pearl Harbor 82 years later.Sunday, December 7, 1941 shortly before 8 AM is when the air forces of imperial Japan committed a sneak attack on American forces located at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian islands. More than a military disaster for America the events of that morning prompted a nation to leave the comfort of isolationism, and in short order become not only a world power, but a superpower. The impact of that day, 82 years ago cannot be overstated in terms of how America changed, economically and domestically. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the events of that sleepy Sunday morning and its impact on...
2023-12-0705 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRemembering the Legacy of Sandra Day O’Connor 1930-2023.Lawyer, county prosecutor, state, legislator, state, appeals, court, justice, and the first woman appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Sandra Day O’Connor had a full life that was a positive contribution to not only American history, but also American jurisprudence. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, Her contributions are remembered.
2023-12-0404 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe significance of exculpatory evidence in American jurisprudence.The sharing of exculpatory evidence often referred to as Brady material after the Landmark case Brady v. Maryland (1963), holds immense importance in the American legal system. The role of such material, and why it must be presented promptly and transparently by prosecutors to defense attorneys is explained in this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette.”
2023-12-0105 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSelecting the Best Authority:Navigating Primary and Secondary Legal Sources.What are the best authorities to cite? Primary or secondary? What role do persuasive or mandatory authorities play? These are some issues addressed in this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette.”
2023-11-2706 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Four Days When America Lost Its Innocence: November 1963.November 22-25,1963 spanned Friday through Monday. It saw the assassination of the President and the live television broadcast of the assassin’s murder. A television first. Meanwhile Americans of all political parties and those with none sat riveted in front of their television sets as the solemn pageantry of a state funeral unfolded. From the arrival of the casket, young widow and new President and First Lady at Andrews Air Force Base to the arrival ceremony at the US Capitol, through the televised Funeral Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral to internment at Arlington National Cemetery. The images are iconic and...
2023-11-2205 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteLegal Reasoning, Writing and Communication.What role do legal reasoning, writing and communication play within the legal system? These issues are discussed in this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette.”
2023-11-2205 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCommon mistakes in legal writing.In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, René Lafayette, who teaches Street and Practical Law at leominster High School in Leominster Massachusetts discusses common mistakes that are made in legal writing. Although this episode is intended for his students, other listeners may also benefit from the insight provided about mistakes to be avoided.
2023-11-1905 minLaw With Mr. Lafayette“Nowhere to Run: the Ahmaud Arbery story.”23 February 2020 was the day in question. Ahmaud Arbery, a 25 year old Black male had gone for a run. He would not return home. Instead, Arbery would be hunted down by three white men and ultimately killed by three shotgun blasts. In this episode Mr. Lafayette reviews “Nowhere to Run” a 20/20 ABC documentary that is based on the comments of his family and friends.
2023-11-1604 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Israeli-Hamas War of 2023The opening salvo of this conflict are discussed in this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette.
2023-10-2203 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Political, Cultural, Social, and Practical Dangers of TikTok.Arguably the biggest social media platform in the world, TikTok is controlled by Communist China and poses a multi part threat to America today. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette this phenomenon is discussed along with its repercussions.
2023-08-3107 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteReview of 2022-2023 Term of the Supreme Court of the United States.In this episode, René Lafayette reviews some of the major decisions that the Court issued in late June before the Court adjourned until the October 2023 Term begins in October.
2023-07-0918 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteEnd of the October 2022 Term of the Supreme Court of the United States.In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, a few of the courts decisions that were released on the last day of the Supreme Court’s term, that took place on Friday, June 30, 2023. A more detailed review of decisions and highlights of the Scotus term will be released in the next few days.
2023-07-0203 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Dangers We Are FacingFirst, Vladimir Putin announces that he has transferred “tactical nuclear weapons” to Byleorus. This is a threat to Europe, NATO and the United States. Then China and Cuba have agreed to China establishing an eavesdropping facility in Cuba. Its target is the Southeastern United States. In this episode René Lafayette offers a serious review of both issues.
2023-06-1707 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteD-Day at 79, It’s All About FreedomJune 6, 2023 was the 79th anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Europe on June 6, 1944. From five beaches in Normandy, France Americans at Omaha and Utah beaches, the British at Gold and Sword and the Canadians at Juno took on Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall.” It was in September 1991 that René Lafayette visited the American military cemetery at Colleville Sur Mer. In this episode Mr. Lafayette remembers that event.
2023-06-0905 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteProms, Today and TomorrowIn this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, we take a different tact and discuss proms and their role in high school society today and other related topics, including the the costs associated with proms proper attire at a prom venues, and finally whether or not proms will continue as a social event in the future. I am joined by Kayleigh Lefrançois, who is one of my law students and together we discuss these topics.
2023-06-0516 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteTreason Among Our Midst21 year old Jack Douglas Teixiera from North Dighton, Massachusetts was arrested earlier this month and on April 26, during a detention hearing in Federal District Court in Worcester, he is facing the possibility that he will be held until his trial. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the specifics are revealed and shared with you.
2023-05-0213 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Unmaking of the President 2023.The late author, Theodore White wrote several books during his storied career, including the Making of the President series. Starting with the election of 1960, considered by many the dawn of a new era in presidential campaigning and elections, to the elections of 1964, 1968, and concluding with the election of 1972. In each successive book, White went through with excruciating detail and superb research what made each electoral contest different from those that had come before it. We jump from what we now would consider a very different time for our nation, and in particular for the presidency to the events that took...
2023-04-2407 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteTikTok Claims Another VictimTikTok claimed another life recently with its Benadryl Challenge. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the most recent social media challenge is discussed and identified for what it is….a threat to American youth.
2023-04-2010 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteGoogle Search History, Defense or Damning To Your CaseIn this episode of the Law With Mr. Lafayette, we discuss recent cases and the impact that Google search history‘s have had or will have on the ultimate outcome. Are they helpful to your defense or are they damning to your case?
2023-04-1410 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIdaho Becomes Fifth State to Approve Firing Squad ExecutionsIdaho has joined four other states in providing an alternative form of execution, namely, a firing squad. They have joined the states of Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma, and South Carolina in providing this option. In this episode of “Law with Mr. Lafayette,” commentary is provided on what prompted Idaho to join these other states.
2023-03-3104 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteTwo Systems of Justice or Is It Injustice?According to the statement made by former President Donald Trump, he was expecting to be arrested on March 21, 2023. It did not happen. The district attorney, Alvin Bragg, has been angling to have indicted then arrest Trump on what can best be described as a convoluted charge. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, commentary is offered on what might be the real reasons for this unprecedented legal action against a former President of the United States. Do we have two systems of justice or is this actually injustice?
2023-03-2905 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSouth Carolina v. Alex Murdaugh: Money, Mystery and MurderWeek five of the trial of Alex Murdaugh has been a dramatic one. Murdaugh took the stand in his defense on Thursday and Friday. In this episode Mr. Lafayette who was vacationing in South Carolina, gives commentary on the trial.
2023-02-2506 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteMurder in the Lowcountry the Murdaugh Double Murders.In this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette” recorded In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mr. Lafayette reviews the Defense arguments including the testimony of Buster Murdaugh, sole surviving son of Alex Murdaugh. Tuesday, February 21 marks week 5 of the SC v. Alex Murdaugh double murder trial.
2023-02-2110 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Sources of LawIn this episode, social studies and law teacher René Lafayette discusses the sources of law in the United States. From the Constitution to federal and state laws to administrative regulations to judicial decisions all contribute to sources of law.
2023-02-1612 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteDivided Government Can WorkIn this episode, René Lafayette looks at the benefits and challenges of divided versus unified government. Mr. Lafayette points to the oversight or “balance of power “ that divided government offers.
2023-02-0908 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteJustices of the Supreme Court Shouldn’t Live In FearIn this first episode of season 3 of this podcast, René Lafayette takes a moment to reflect on some of the challenges facing the Supreme Court-of the United States during the past year.
2023-01-0106 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteFinally Taking the Dangers of TikTok Seriously.Mr. Lafayette takes this opportunity to discuss legislative action taken by the United States Senate against having TikTok on government owned electronic devices. Additional commentary on the dangers, that this most popular social media platform, pose against the United States, national security and personal privacy.
2022-12-1804 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteJustice Served in WaukeshaOn November 16 Darrell Brooks was sentenced for his actions during the Waukesha, WI Christmas Parade that took place on November 21, 2021. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the sentencing is discussed as is it’s impact on society.
2022-11-1809 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIs Democracy Really at Risk or is it Just the Definition that has Changed?On the cusp of the 2022 Mid-Term election, many observers had mentioned that "democracy is at risk." Prominent national figures have echoed this sentiment including President Biden, and former Presidents Clinton and Obama. But is that really the case? What about so-called "election deniers?" What is their role in the national discussion about elections? Finally, what about mega partisanship? Both major political parties share responsibility for this, and the deepening division within America. The terms and their application are discussed in this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette. Subscribe or follow this podcast on the listening platform of your choice.
2022-11-0512 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWhat is happening to “our” government?Parents, concerned about what their children are learning complain to their elected school board and are labeled domestic terrorist. The FBI is ordered to investigate. An associate justice of the Supreme Court is targeted for assassination and the White House is silent. An investigation is launched into the leaking of a draft opinion but nothing is shared with the public. Federal law regarding attempts to influence judges and decisions is openly flaunted and crickets from the #1 and 2 law enforcement officers of the Nation. A former President’s home is raided and documents seized but under sketchy circumstances. These topics are di...
2022-10-3113 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteJustice in Waukesha: Brooks Convicted of All 76 CountsOn 26 October 2022, Darrell Brooks was found guilty of all 76 counts including six counts of first degree intentional homicide and 70 counts of first degree endangering safety while using a dangerous weapon. These charges arose from Brooks' actions last November driving an SUV into a Christmas Parade in 2021. René Lafayette, host of Law With Mr. Lafayette, offers commentary for your consideration.
2022-10-2610 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRevisiting RittenhouseThe case of WI v. Rittenhouse (2021) had many moving parts according to legal observers. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, René Lafayette, a social studies and law teacher at Leominster High School in Leominster, MA reviews some of the post trial developments. Subscribe or follow this podcast on the listening platform of your choice including Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Anchor, Spotify and several others.
2022-10-2209 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteFirst Monday in October 2022The start of the October 2022 Term of the Supreme Court of the United States. Oral arguments begin today and will usually take place on Mondays and Thursdays. The Court usually hears only 1% of the cases that have been submitted.
2022-10-0309 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCivility is the missing ingredient in today’s society.In this episode of Law with Mr. Lafayette, The thesis that we as a society are missing civility is discussed and explored. Stop and think about it have we lost are we anesthetized against bad behavior?
2022-09-1805 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCongratulations to Nico Nevard on his selection to Boys Nation and Matt Cohen's election as Secretary of State at Boys State.Since 1949, the American Legion has sponsored the premier youth government and leadership program called Boys Nation, there’s a corresponding program for girls called Girls Nation. LHS is proud of two Law students, Matthew Cohen who was elected Secretary of State at Boys State and Nico Nevard who will travel to Washington DC to attend Boys Nation. When he was a high school Junior, René Lafayette attended Boys Nation. In this episode, Mr. Lafayette discusses how this event impacted his life and congratulates both students.
2022-07-2206 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteHunting Down Supreme Court Justices Isn’t Just Uncivil, It’s A Crime(That Must Be Prosecuted)!Since the leaked opinion well before issuance on Friday, June 24, in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, proAbortion activists have planned and plotted to harass and intimidate the Court’s conservative members. This is not protected speech. It’s a violation of 18 USC section 1507.
2022-07-1809 min
Law With Mr. LafayetteAre We Jaded When It Comes To The Justice System?Are We Jaded When It Comes to the justice system ? Is Lady Justice Still Blind Or Is She Peeking Under the Blindfold? Does the phrase “equal justice under the law” ring true or does it ring hollow? In this episode René Lafayette discusses these questions in the context of recent cases.
2022-07-1508 min
Law With Mr. LafayetteNo Amendment Stands Alone!What is Washington thinking when it comes to the Supreme Law of the Land, the Constitution?
2022-07-1302 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteHappy 246th Birthday America!Today is July 4, 2022, Independence Day. From this day in 1776 we have taken our place among the nations of the world. Many things have changed since then. America has it faults but we work together to overcome those challenges. This episode has a brief message, America remains exceptional.
2022-07-0403 min
Law With Mr. LafayetteNH v. Smart (1991), the Trial of the Century RevisitedStudents of the criminal justice system still study and review the case of NH v. Smart (1991) and with justifiable rationale. In 1991 this murder for hire/adultery/teacher and student love affair case was the first live television, gavel to gavel, murder trial in the United States.
2022-06-2905 minLaw With Mr. Lafayette6 Days in June.A paraell between the 1964 political thriller “7 Days in May,” is drawn in this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette. Four controversial opinions having been issued at the same time that Mr. Lafayette is attending the Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers. Listen as René Lafayette provides an overview of each of the cases.
2022-06-2804 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWashington DC: Returning Not As Tourist But As A Participant in the 2022 Supreme Court's Summer Institute for TeachersMy first visit to Washington, DC was on the very cold morning of January 20, 1977 for the inauguration of Jimmy Carter, Democrat of Georgia as the 39th President of the United States. Since then I have been back over 20 times, as a student, state legislator and county sheriff. Now I am back attending the Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers.
2022-06-2511 min
Law With Mr. LafayetteWhy Does It Take a Billionaire to Preserve Democracy?Elon Reeve Musk, the world's richest man, with an estimated net worth of $232.5B has bought Twitter for a tidy sum of $43B. Not chump change, not by anyone's measurement. With Tesla and Space X, why did Musk bother with the social media platform? The answer was simple: Musk is a Free Speech Absolutist.
2022-06-2405 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteMA v. Batali (2022). Celebrity Chef Acquitted in Indecent Assault Case.It happened in an upscale restaurant and bar near the trendy Eataly in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Celebrity Chef and part owner of Eataly, Mario Batali was accused by Natali Tene, a 32 software developer of indecent assault and battery.
2022-05-2006 min
Law With Mr. LafayetteA Historic First, Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to join the Supreme Court.Ketanji Brown Jackson, a nominee of President Biden was confirmed by the US Senate as the newest member of the Supreme Court in its history on April 7. Brown, it was noted by her allies in the U.S. Senate, had appeared before the Senate on three separate occasions and had been confirmed in each case: first with her nomination by then President Obama as a District Court Judge for the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia. Then she was nominated, again by Obama, as the Vice Chair of the US Sentencing Commission. In 2021 President Biden had nominated her for...
2022-05-1704 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteFinally, A Bill of Rights for the UK?This episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette focuses on a policy point contained in the annual tradition "across the pond" in the United Kingdom: the State Opening of Parliament. On May 10, 2022, the "Speech from the Throne" was for the first time in over six decades not delivered by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The 96 year old Sovereign had asked her son HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales to fill in for her and to deliver the address on behalf of "Her Majesty's Government" in the Chamber of the House of Lords.
Towards the end of the speech, which is wr...
2022-05-1605 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteJuvenile Justice System's Philosophy and PracticeIn this Episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, the Juvenile Justice system's philosophy and practice is discussed. A by-product of the Progressive Era, reformers believed that juveniles deserved their own court system and a new approach to deal with delinquent, poor, vagrant youths of both genders who were living in the urban centers that were developing in the rapidly industrialized America of the 19th century. From the New York House of Refuge, established in 1825, following the overwhelmed Houses of Refuge reform, training, and industrial schools were created across America. These all placed an emphasis on education and industrial training prog...
2022-05-1505 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRussian war in Ukraine, War Crimes Committed Before the Entire WorldHistorical background is provided on the events and the context of the war crimes being committed against the Ukrainian people.
2022-04-0807 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWhat a Slap in the Face!On March 27, 2022, the 94th annual Academy Awards took place in Hollywood, California. What usually focuses on the actors and actresses being honored and the films determined by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science was virtually eclipsed by the action of Will Smith, who would receive the Oscar for "Best Actor" in the movie King Richard, when he slapped the show's host comedian Chris Rock for a "joke" Rock had made about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Mrs. Smith has a medical condition called alopecia that results in hair loss, as a result Smith has shaved her head. Lis...
2022-04-0405 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteAll Praise to Ukraine! As the criminal, unjustified, savage war by Russia against Ukraine continues, what must we do?Vladimir Putin has dramatically miscalculated in his dream to expand the Russian Federation into a nation beyond the borders of the Tsarist Empire of 1917. Listeners can consider what will be next and how this illegal invasion and war against Ukraine a sovereign nation will end.
2022-03-2507 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSentencing Smollett, Part 2 of a 2 Part Episode. Post sentencing posturing.In the last episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, season 2 episode 7, although the various elements of the sentence that the former "Empire" star Jussie Smollett had received were listed, when he was sentenced on March 10th. it did not include the fact that Judge James Linn had also sentenced Smollett, to 150 days in jail or essentially 5 months behind bars. Smollett had been convicted by a jury of filing a false police report and a hoaxed hate crime. Judge Linn went on to say that Smollett's entire testimony during his earlier trial was pure perjury. "hour after hour of pure perj...
2022-03-2005 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteSentencing Jussie Smollett. Was Justice Served? Part 1 of a 2 Part Episode.On March 10, 2022, former "Empire" star, now convicted felon and hoaxter, Jussie Smollett was sentenced for having set up a hate crime hoax. In a highly publicized and politicized case, Smollett, gained public support from the Democratic presidential and vice presidential candidates. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, and many other public officials and celebrities. It was all a hoax. As was presented at trial, Smollett paid the two men who "attacked" him, two Nigerian nationals and brother. Video evidence was admitted that showed the brothers purchasing items that were associated with the attack including rope, bleach, and MAGA hats. Judge James...
2022-03-1910 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRussia's Invasion of The Ukraine: Illegal, Unwarranted, Uncivilized - I Stand With Ukraine!As the world witnesses the largest mobilization in Europe since World War II, and the targeting of civilians and the destruction of the fledgling democracy in The Ukraine, this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette touches upon what has happened between the Russian Federation and its neighboring country of Ukraine. Our host makes no apologies for where he stands on this issue. He stands with Ukraine!.
2022-03-0603 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteNot Since World War II Has The World Witnessed...Recent events, beginning in late February, with the invasion of the Ukraine by troops of the Russian Federation, as ordered by President Vladimir Putin continue to attack various targets in that neighboring nation. The ramifications in terms of international law are significant. Observers have noted that this is the largest mobilization and movement of troops in Europe since World War II. There are many parallels between the aggression of Nazi Germany in 1939 against its neighboring countries, starting with Poland. Within weeks, facing a technologically superior forces, the Polish nation was "steamrolled" by Nazi forces. Now in 2022, without legitimate rationale, Russi...
2022-03-0505 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteFalse Flag Operations, Are They Happening in America Today?The term "false flag operations," refers to what Merriam Webster Dictionary has defined as " a hostile or harmful action (such as an attack) that is designed to look like it was perpetrated by someone other than the person or group responsible for it. A deliberate misrepresentation of motives or identity." The term's origin comes from pre-radio communication days when flying another country's flag would conceal the original identity of a ship at sea. History tells us that the pretext for Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland that started World War II was a series of over 20 separate false flag incidents amo...
2022-02-2804 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteExplaining Due Process, a Right Every American Must ClaimIn today's episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette the term due process is explained. This is an important part of the rights guaranteed every citizen by the Constitution. But what does it mean? Stay tuned to find out.
2022-02-2705 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteUpdate on WI v. BrooksOn January 12, the Milwaukee District Attorney amended the criminal complaint against Darrell Brooks, Jr. accused of the “Christmas Parade Massacre” that happened on November 21, 2021. Accused of six charges of first-degree homicide, an additional 71 charges have been added. Brooks faces 61 counts of first degree reckless endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, the SUV he drove into parade participants. 6 counts of hit and run, death resulting, 2 felony bail jumping charges, and 2 misdemeanor domestic abuse battery charges.
2022-01-1504 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Grand Jury ExplainedIn this episode of “Law With Mr. Lafayette” the role and purpose of the grand jury is explained. This group of 12 to 23 people reviews evidence and considers whether or not to charge a defendant with a crime. They have the right to investigate crimes but not to try them.
2022-01-0903 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteConsciousness of guilt, key in the case of WI v. Edgecomb (2020)The eve of the New Year offers listeners with a preview of the lead trial of 2022. On Monday, January 3, the case of WI v. Edgecomb will begin. The defendant in this case is Theodore Edgecomb who is accused of shooting and killing Jason Cleereman, a Milwaukee immigration attorney after the exchange of words when Cleereman's wife swerved their SUV to avoid hitting Edgecomb who was on a bicycle. Video evidence shows the Cleereman vehicle stopping, Jason Cleereman exiting the vehicle and following Edgecomb. In a pretrial hearing, the defense has filed the intent to call Dr. John Black, the self-defense expe...
2022-01-0205 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWeighing Changes In Legal Procedure - The Role Played By Video And TechnologyEarlier this school year, there was a question posed by René Lafayette to his Street & Practical Law students about the law itself. What impact do current events and inventions have on the law? Does the law and legal procedure have to change and if so how should the changes occur? During the course of 2021, several high-profile cases were directly influenced or impacted by the use of video as evidence that jurors viewed. In these cases, defendants are referred to as the "alleged perpetrator" despite the clear proof that it was them, captured on video that committed crimes that resulted in th...
2021-12-3115 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCurrent Cases As 2021 Comes to A CloseRené Lafayette, host of Law With Mr. Lafayette, reviews several current cases that are being followed by Street & Practical Law Students as 2021 comes to a close.
2021-12-2709 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIn Re. Baldwin - The Investigation Continues, Search Warrant Issued For CellphoneSheriff's investigators have sought and a local judge has issued a search warrant for actor Alec Baldwin's cellphone. This is the latest development since the October 21, 2021 shooting by Baldwin of Halyna Hutchins, the videographer on the set of the movie Rust.
2021-12-2304 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteKimberly Potter Case - Will Her Testimony Sway the Jury?Over the course of the past two weeks, legal analysts and commentators have been following the developments in MN v. Potter (2021), the case involving defendant Kimberly Potter, a former Brooklyn Center, Minnesota police officer accused of fatally shooting Daunte Wright during the course of a traffic stop in April 2021.
2021-12-2102 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteHot Coffee: A Documentary on Tort Reform and the 1992 Case That Captured The HeadlinesIn 1992, 79 year old Stella Liebeck accidentally spilled hot coffee from McDonald's on herself. The resulting injuries, extensive medical and rehabilitation bills and the corporate indifference of the fast food giant are the lead story in this documentary, but not the only one. Beside providing background to the "tort reform movement" of the early 2000s, there is also the case of Jamie Leigh Jones v. Halliburton (2005) where an employee unknowingly signed a Dispute Resolution Program agreementMandatory Arbitration Settlement.
2021-12-1907 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIL v. Smollett (2019) Verdict is InOn December 9, 2021, the jury in the criminal trial of Jussie Smollett, former star of the TV series Empire, returned guilty verdicts in five of the six counts that he had been charged with. On January 29, 2019, Smollett reported to police that he had been attacked by two white males as one punched him in the face while another poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. Within weeks, prosecutors approved disorderly conduct charges for having filed false reports. Spurred on by international attention and the condemnation of the then Democrat nominees for President and Vice President, Chicago Police spe...
2021-12-1706 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteDissecting a Disaster: People v. Ethan Crumbley et al. (2021)This is a very unusual criminal case originating from Oxford, Michigan. It began on November 30 with the killing of four students at Oxford High School by a 15 year old sophomore, Ethan Crumbley, who also injured seven other students while firing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. What makes the case unusual is that his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley were charged by the District Attorney, with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter on Thursday, December 2. The senior Crumbleys were subsequently arrested in the early hours of Saturday, December 4, in Detroit, Michigan by a joint taskforce of Detroit Police, FBI agents and the...
2021-12-1107 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteOxford, Michigan High School ShootingOn November 30, 2021, Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan was disrupted with a school shooting. Four students were killed, seven were injured during the 5 to 6 minute attack by a 15 year old sophomore, Ethan Crumbley. Just days earlier, James Crumbley, Ethan's father had gone to a local gun store with him to purchase a Sig Sauer 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.
2021-12-1005 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteBlue Devil Nation Welcomes Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of Massachusetts State PoliceOn Wednesday, December 1, 2021, my Street & Practical Law students had a unique opportunity to meet and hear the Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Christopher Mason, give an overview of the mission of the MSP. A Trooper for 28 years, Colonel Mason has risen through the ranks culminating in 2019 with his appointment by Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA) as Superintendent with the rank of Colonel.
After discussing the current structure of the department, in terms of Uniformed Division, Investigations Division, and other components of the MSP including anti-terrorism and cyber crimes, the Colonel then answered students' questions giving detailed a...
2021-12-0504 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThankfully, the Jury Has Spoken - Not the MobOn Friday, November 19, 2021, a jury in Kenosha, WI found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on five charges that, if the results had been different, would have seen him spend the next 60 years in jail. How did this now 18 year old end up charged in the first place? What happened and when? The events that led up to August 25, 2020, had an impact on three nights of rioting in Kenosha. It was what brought Rittenhouse, a former police cadet and lifeguard from Antioch, Illinois there, to the city where his father lives. During the trial and the nearly 26 hours that the jury delib...
2021-11-2206 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWas It Murder or Self-defense?The case is Wisconsin v. Rittenhouse (2021), a case dealing with two charges of murder and one charge of aggravated assault Leveled at now 18 year old Kyle Rittenhouse. The setting was Kenosha, Wisconsin during the month of August 2020. It occurred in the aftermath of the shooting by Kenosha police of Jacob Blake, 29, a black man who was shot seven times and left partially paralyzed as a result of his wounds. Who is Kyle Rittenhouse?Why was he there? What was he doing?These are among the topics discussed in this episode of Law with Mr. Lafayette.
2021-11-1707 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCan Words Kill? Part 2The facts surrounding the case of Commonwealth v. Carter, a Massachusetts case dealing with the charge of involuntary manslaughter by Michelle Carter against her boyfriend Conrad Henry Roy III.
2021-11-1211 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteCan Words Kill? The Verdict in Commonwealth v. Carter (2017) Said Yes and They DidThis is a case about mental illness. Social Anxiety. Depression. Control. Anorexia. Narcissism. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts charged Michelle Carter with the involuntary manslaughter of her boyfriend Conrad Henry Roy III. This case captured attention and visceral reactions from around the world when the trial began in June 2017. From a seemingly innocent meeting in Naples, Florida, in February 2012, where Carter and Roy were on separate family vacations, it began with a bicycle ride on the sugar-fine sandy beach of this Florida destination. It ended in July 2014 when Roy died of carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck in the desolate parking...
2021-11-0923 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteProtect Our Privacy Why Boston and Washington Need to ActAfter the episode on social media and our First Amendment rights, René Lafayette discusses the topic of personal privacy in the age of "big Tech." He discusses how our elected officials on the state and federal levels have an obligation to protect us, their constituents from unethical corporate practices including the "capture" of information without users knowledge. In this episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette, our host takes his perspective as a former state legislator and suggests what could be done and by who to safeguard our Constitutional rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment "...against unreasonable searches and seizures."
2021-11-0707 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteRacism on Trial: The World Turns to Brunswick, Georgia as the Trial of Georgia v. McMichael et al, Enters the Jury Selection PhaseRené Lafayette, Street & Practical Law Instructor presents listeners an overview and specific facts of the events that led to the February 23, 2020 pursuit and murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25 year-old black male. Drawing from several resources facts are gathered and presented for you to consider in the context of a murder that was videotaped and subsequent released on social media shocking the world in the process. A subsequent episode of "Law With Mr. Lafayette" will cover what happened in the hours, days and months following this tragic event. As this episode is dropped jury selection at the Glynn County Courthouse cont...
2021-10-2706 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteIs Social Media Using the First Amendment Against US?In this episode of Law with Mr. Lafayette, Street & Practical Law instructor René Lafayette proceeds to describe a recent Wall Street Journal investigation into social media megastar TikTok. In light of the phenomenal popularity of the social media app, with 1 billion users a month, WSJ discovered hundreds of videos about drug use, eating disorders and pornography sent to WSJ bots programmed to represent 13-15 year olds. Meanwhile, TikTok is gathering information from its viewers, often with neither their knowledge or consent. The addictive nature of TikTok has left teenagers and adults alike mesmerized and otherwise occupied with watching videos to...
2021-10-1905 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteTwo Movies That Compliment Street Law I & IIIn this episode, Mr. Lafayette discusses two movies that his students in both Street & Practical Law I & II viewed in classes this week. The movies are 12 Angry Men, a 1957 classic that brings viewers into the jury room where 12 strangers who heard testimony during a six-day trial now have to decide on the verdict with the 18 year-old defendant's life swinging in the balance. This was shown to Street Law I classes since that course focuses on criminal law. Street Law II students were shown The Verdict a 1982 movie dealing a negligence trial set in Boston where the plaintiff is one Deb...
2021-10-1503 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Constitution, Foundation of American Jurisprudence, part 2The American Constitution is more than a document that was written over two hundred years ago. It represents many of the uniquely American contributions to government. At once it provides the framework for the national government featuring three co-equal branches and a sharing of power between the national government and the state governments. That is the essence of federalism. The third function of the Constitution is protecting and identifying the rights of each citizen. However, the Constitution is honored and mentioned by name nearly every single day in one fashion or another. Today, Mr. Lafayette brings us across America to see...
2021-10-0707 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThe Constitution, Foundation of American Jurisprudence[This episode of Law With Mr. Lafayette is dedicated to a devoted student and teacher of law for over 30 years, his friend and mentor as an educator, Peter M. Fedyszyn, retired member of the Social Studies Department at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, and "Street Law Meister" to generations of students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the military, law enforcement including the U.S. Secret Service Protective Operations Division and public and private sectors. Mr. Fedyszyn continues to assiduously continue his study of law and current events.]
The Constitution of the United States, a...
2021-10-0606 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteFirst Monday in OctoberIn this episode, Street & Practical Law instructor René M. Lafayette provides us a unique insight to the opening of a new Term for the United States Supreme Court. The 2021-2022 Term will start on October 4, 2021 when the nine Justices assemble in what Lafayette calls "the marble temple of justice," the Supreme Court Building located at One First Street, NE in Washington, DC. Touching upon the traditions that the Court carefully preserves, Mr. Lafayette provides an overview of some of the cases that the Court agreed to hear dealing with diverse issues like God, guns, abortion rights, and terrorism.
Drawing upon sev...
2021-10-0305 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteThere Ought to Be a Law!Follow along as Mr. Lafayette describes the law-making process in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Beginning with the idea through to being signed by the Governor and then becoming part of the Massachusetts General Laws. Himself a former four-term State Representative in Rhode Island, Mr. Lafayette started as a Page while a junior in high school, eventually becoming a member of the staff of the Speaker of the House while in college. A year after graduating college, Mr. Lafayette was elected at the age of 24 to represent a House District in his hometown of Woonsocket. He would go on to be e...
2021-09-0809 minLaw With Mr. LafayetteWhat Is The Law?The basis or foundation of law is discussed in this episode, traced from Ancient Greece and Rome to Judeo-Christian principles, and other philosophers. Both common law and natural law are referenced as well. In the Declaration of Independence of Independence, its author, Thomas Jefferson made direct reference to Natural Law as the basis for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" as well as the foundation of government itself.
2021-09-0405 min