The 1991 first-degree murder trial of New Hampshire teacher Pam Smart drew international media attention and spawned the Joyce Maynard novel and Nicole Kidman movie, To Die For. Smart was accusing of luring her 16-year-old lover, William Flynn, and two of his friends into murdering her husband Gregory. Smart was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Flynn plead guilty to second-degree murder and received a 40-year prison sentence. Now, the 33-year-old Flynn, who will be eligible for parole in 2018, is asking a New Hampshire judge to reduce his sentence and open the door to his earlier release.

On this week’s legal-affairs podcast Lawyer2Lawyer, my cohost J. Craig Williams and I discuss the legal and social implications of Flynn’s request. Joining us as guests to discuss the case are Marsha V. Kazarosian, the Massachusetts lawyer who defended Vance Lattime Jr., the teen who drove the getaway car on the night of the murder, and Allan H. Stokke, noted California criminal defense attorney. Download or listen to the program at this page.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.