The Pandemic’s Impact on America’s Civil Courts

Episode 96

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Projects: Courts & Communities

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The Pandemic’s Impact on America’s Civil Courts
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Stat: 70%: The percentage of debt collection cases that result in default judgment, or automatic win, to plaintiffs.  

Story: Debt collection cases are the most common civil court cases today, but many Americans are navigating the civil legal system without legal representation and paying heavy consequences. In this episode we hear from Erika Rickard, who leads Pew’s work to modernize civil court systems, on the issues surrounding debt collection cases and how the pandemic is bringing some courtrooms online. We’ll also speak to Chief Justice Nathan Hecht from the Supreme Court of Texas about how data on debt collection cases is informing the state’s efforts to ensure the court process is open, fair, and transparent.

Related resources:

How Debt Collectors Are Transforming the Business of State Courts

Coronavirus Accelerates State Court Modernization Efforts

Debt Lawsuits Loom Amid Economic Slowdown

After the Fact

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'After the Fact' Guests
Chief Justice Nathan Hecht
Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas
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