In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey continue their Book Club discussion of "Framed" by John Grisham. The cases discussed this week are Joe Bryan and Carrie Cook.

Lacey opens the episode sharing her week of medical appointments with her 7-year old son, Luke, who has Down syndrome. Lauren talks about the universal struggles of motherhood.

• Elementary school sweethearts Joe and Mickey Blue were both teachers in a small Texas town
• Mickey was brutally murdered while Joe was at a conference 120 miles away
• Police started unfounded rumors about Joe being gay to create a motive
• Blood spatter "expert" with minimal training provided questionable testimony
• Despite physical evidence proving Joe couldn't have committed the crime (time constraints), he was convicted
• Joe was eventually released due to COVID prison reductions but never exonerated

• Linda Jo Edwards was brutally murdered in her apartment
• Her roommate identified Jim Mayfield (Linda's former lover) at the scene
• Despite DNA evidence implicating Mayfield, police focused on Cook based on a fingerprint and unreliable jailhouse informant testimony
• Cook was tried three times, receiving death penalty twice
• Eventually took a plea deal for time served and was later exonerated
• Lauren and Lacey discuss how homophobia was weaponized in both cases to secure convictions

• Would you have accepted a plea deal guaranteeing freedom (like Cook did) or risked a fourth trial?

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In this first book club episode, hosts Lauren and Lacey discuss two cases from John Grisham's book "Framed." The book examines wrongful convictions, jailhouse informants and the failures of the justice system.

Lauren covers the Norfolk Four case, where multiple military men were wrongfully convicted of a rape and murder despite DNA evidence only matching one person. The police continuously added suspects to their theory when DNA didn't match, eventually claiming seven men were involved in what they called a "gang rape" despite physical evidence only pointing to one perpetrator. The real perpetrator, Omar Ballard, even confessed, but authorities maintained their flawed theory. Four innocent men spent 10-15 years in prison before receiving conditional pardons from Governor Tim Kane.

Lacy discusses the Ellen Reasonover case, where a single mother was wrongfully convicted of murdering a store clerk based solely on testimony from jailhouse informants with long criminal histories who received deals for their testimony. Ellen had initially come forward as a witness after seeing suspicious individuals near the store. The prosecution withheld exculpatory evidence—recordings of Ellen maintaining her innocence—violating Brady disclosure requirements. Ellen was eventually exonerated but missed her daughter's entire childhood, from age 2 to 18.

Both cases highlight serious issues in the criminal justice system: tunnel vision by investigators, Brady violations, the unreliability of jailhouse informants, coercive interrogation tactics, and potential racial bias. This is the first of a multi-part series of the book. Email the Lawmas at thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com if you have questions or comments! Subscribe, follow, like, share and review us!

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In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, attorneys Lauren and Lacey discuss what happens before a trial and debunk common legal misconceptions. They begin with a timely discussion about Gene Hackman's estate situation, highlighting how his will reportedly left everything to his wife without contingency clauses, creating complications when she predeceased him by several days.

Lauren and Lacey talk about common legal misconceptions, particularly focusing on Miranda rights. Lacey explains that, contrary to popular movies like Madea, police aren't legally required to read Miranda rights in most situations, and cases don't automatically get dismissed if they aren't read. Miranda rights only affect whether incriminating statements made in response to police questioning can be used as evidence.

Lauren and Lacey also compare civil and criminal legal procedures, noting significant differences in how cases are handled before trial. While civil cases often involve depositions, mandatory mediation, and comprehensive discovery, criminal cases typically have more limited discovery and no depositions. They discuss how judges in their jurisdiction handle both civil and criminal cases and speculate about potential future specialization.

Don't forget, starting next week, March 28th, is the Lawmas book club series focusing on wrongful convictions. Pick up the book "Framed" and join the discussion!

#podcast #thelawmas #lawmoms #truecrime #madea #mirandaright #framed #johngrisham #genehackman

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, hosts Lauren and Lacey discuss legal misconceptions portrayed in TV shows and movies. They begin with answering a legal questions about addressing the legality of bringing prescription medications across borders. Lacey explains that just because something can be purchased legally in one country (like medications in Mexico) doesn't make it legal to possess in the United States without a proper prescription. They also note that medical marijuana cards from states where it's legal are not valid in states where it remains illegal, like South Carolina.

The hosts then critique legal inaccuracies in popular media. They analyze the movie "Legally Blonde," pointing out that courtroom proceedings are rarely as dramatic as depicted, with no "smoking gun" revelations during trials due to prior discovery processes. They explain that in real criminal cases, both sides have access to evidence beforehand, preventing surprise revelations.

Lauren and Lacey also debunk the antagonistic relationship often portrayed between prosecutors and defense attorneys in shows like "Law and Order: SVU." In reality, legal professionals typically maintain cordial relationships while zealously representing their clients. They criticize how media often portrays defense attorneys negatively, when in fact all parts of the legal system serve important functions.

The podcast concludes with Lacey expressing frustration about South Carolina's grand jury system, which unlike some procedural dramas, doesn't allow defense participation.

The Lawmas Bookclub starts March28th! Grab a copy of Framed by John Grisham and join them as they discuss the book!

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In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, hosts Lauren and Lacey discuss the First Amendment and common misconceptions about freedom of speech. They begin by answering a question about what it takes to become a lawyer in South Carolina, explaining the education requirements, bar exam, and continuing legal education obligations.

The hosts then discuss what the First Amendment actually protects. They clarify that the First Amendment primarily prevents the government from arresting people for their speech, with some exceptions. They emphasize that freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences in private settings. Employers can still fire employees for their speech, and people can face social repercussions for what they say.

Lacey and Lauren discuss several examples, including reality TV contestants who faced employment consequences for using racial slurs, and explain that while you can't be arrested for most speech, it doesn't protect your reputation or job. They cover exceptions to protected speech, such as inciting violence, child pornography, and yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.

The hosts also share personal experiences with advocating against the use of derogatory terms, particularly the R-word, and how they address this in both professional and personal contexts. They discuss the difference between protected speech and offensive speech, and the importance of educating others about harmful language.

Announcement: Read "Framed" by John Gresham and Jim Grisham for upcoming book club episodes starting in a few weeks!

The Lawmas can be reached: thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

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In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast features Lauren and Lacey discussing two topics.

First, they address a legal question about family obligations to notify siblings about a parent's passing, explaining that while there's no legal requirement to inform relatives about an illness, probate laws require notification of all potential heirs after death.

The main topic of this episode dives into the O.J. Simpson case, focusing on how prosecutor Marcia Clark faced gender-based scrutiny during the trial. They discuss media criticism of Clark's appearance and unfair blame for trial outcomes despite her limited decision-making power. Lauren and Lacey also explore how the case transformed media coverage of trials and mention Simpson's civil case judgment and current estate disputes. They also reflecting on progress for women in male-dominated fields while acknowledging persistent challenges.

To contact The Lawmas, email thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

#lawpodcast #OJSimpson #MarciaClark #lawmoms #thelawmas #genderbias #maledominatedfields #probatelaw #OJSimpsontrial

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, hosts Lauren and Lacey dive into the JonBenét Ramsey case, specially on the media's treatment of Patsy Ramsey. Lauren and Lacey discuss children's beauty pageants in the South versus other regions in the United States and analyze how the media unfairly sexualized JonBenét's pageant participation.

Lauren & Lacey discuss the examination of the evidence supporting the intruder theory, including:

• Unmatched DNA evidence
• Similar break-in attempt at another dance student's home
• The broken basement window and suitcase placement
• Critical look at the media's treatment of women in the 1990s
• Comparison to other high-profile cases and media bias against women
• Personal reflections on motherhood, shared interests with children, and judgment of parenting choices

Two notable quotes from this episode from Lacey: "If anybody looks at a child in pageantry or on the beach in a bikini and has those thoughts, they're the problem. They're the pedophile." and...

"You don't know how you're going to react. And let's hope we never do, right? Let's hope we never have to know."

The Lawmas can be reached at thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

#podcast #lawmoms #laurenandlacey #jonbenétramsey #patsyramsey #thelawmas #highprofilecrime #truecrime

This episode of The Lawmas explores Michael Oher's conservatorship case and a broader discussion about protecting young athletes' finances in the NIL era.

But first: a question answered about Miranda rights and deaf individuals. Officers use written cards for DUI cases. They also discuss challenges with field sobriety tests for deaf individuals and how there are now translation apps for Spanish-speaking individuals.

With Michael Oher's conservatorship case, Lauren & Lacey explain how it extended until age 25, which is very unusual for non-disabled adults. Oher believed he was signing adoption papers. They talk about the lack of proper oversight and accounting in Tennessee and the Tuohy's handling of movie proceeds.

Lauren & Lacey also discuss NIL Implications. There is concern about young athlets managing sudden wealth, how some athletes start college at 17-18 years old and how there is a need for financial protection and education.

Watch/listen to get recommendations from Lauren & Lacey!

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#podcast #NIL #michaeloher #thelawmaspodcast #lawmoms #mompreneur #conservatorships