Kansas City PBS is on the trail of an underreported story of the COVID-19 pandemic. And to tell you about it, we have no choice but to take you to court.
Did you know that since shutdown orders first went into effect back in March, there have been virtually no jury trials anywhere in the country? Now Kansas City area courts are worried how they’ll ever get 12 jurors to sit next to each other in a courtroom again.
Would you serve on a jury in the middle of a pandemic? And what about those who have been charged with crimes? Hundreds of defendants have been sitting in jail cells indefinitely, with no certainty on when a jury of their peers will decide their fate.
As the coronavirus pandemic upends every institution and industry, Kansas City PBS is tracking the unique challenges facing our court system.
A dozen local citizens accepted an official jury summons to appear on our special “Kansas City Week in Review” program this week. We partnered with the District Court in Johnson County and the Johnson County Bar Association to help make it happen.
Just how will we restart deferred justice? Judge for yourself Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Kansas City PBS.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Restoration of Black church in Parkville inspires rainbow coalition
The community has rallied around the restoration of Parkville, Missouri's, Washington Chapel. Built in 1907, the chapel has been a haven for a Black population that has not always been welcome in town.
Nick’s Picks | Soccer, Elections, Entertainment and More …
It's a soccer extravaganza in Kansas City, with the city reaching its halfway point as a host city and the City Council set to consider a bond package to expand the Kansas City Current stadium.
Nick’s Picks | Fan Fest, Streetcar, Liquor and More …
World Cup Begins The wait is finally over. The first ball of the 2026 World Cup will be kicked Thursday, ushering in 5 ½ weeks of competition across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It’s also opening day for Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Fest at the National World War I Museum and Memorial—our first real…