Episode 19: If the Dress Fits: Marcia Clark and Gender Bias in Law

02/26/25 • 28 min

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 [email protected]

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

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

To contact The Lawmas, email [email protected]

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

Previous Episode

Episode 18: Pageants, Prejudice & Patsy: A Mother's Story

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 [email protected]

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

Next Episode

Episode 20: You Can Say That... But Should You? The Lawmas Break Down the First Amendment

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: [email protected]

#Thelawmaspodcast #lawpodcast #firstamendment #freespeech #lawmoms #framed #johngrisham #bookclubpodcast