Virtual eviction hearings can make horrible situations even worse
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Millions of Americans remain unemployed in this pandemic and can’t pay their rent, so people are being evicted all over the country. Eviction hearings have moved to Zoom or Webex or even the phone, to limit the spread of COVID-19 in courtrooms. But some tenants’ rights advocates say the virtual hearings violate people’s rights. There aren’t procedures in place for people who don’t have broadband access, and translators that would be required in court aren’t required online. Molly speaks with Eileen Guo, a senior reporter on tech policy, ethics and social issues at MIT Tech Review. She’s been reporting on this and described a hearing she virtually attended in Jackson County, Missouri. Your support makes our podcast possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
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