Donate NowIn 1997, Ricky Kidd was sentenced to life without parole for a double homicide he says he didn’t commit. And he says his court-appointed lawyer is the reason. From the PBS NewsHour, a look inside Missouri’s public defender system at a crisis point and what it means for serving justice in America.
December 03, 2019 | PBS NewsHour
Broken Justice, Episode 5: Where Do We Go From Here?
After 23 years behind bars, Ricky Kidd finally gets a new day in court.
November 26, 2019 | PBS NewsHour
Broken Justice, Episode 4: Public Defenders Fight Back
Data changed things for public defenders in Missouri, and ultimately led to a state-wide showdown with the governor.
November 19, 2019 | PBS NewsHour
Broken Justice, Episode 3: When Things Go Wrong
What happens if your defense attorney is so overloaded they can't handle the case that could cost you your freedom?
November 14, 2019 | PBS NewsHour
Broken Justice, Episode 2: How Did We Get Here?
Americans didn't always have the right to an attorney. It all started with a pool hall robbery in Florida, and a drifter named Clarence Earl Gideon.
July 29, 2020 | General news
Journalist, Lawyer, Advocate Share Thoughts in Justice series
The Focus on Justice series continues as Frank Carlson, Alec Karakatsanis and Ricky Kidd discuss the criminalization of poverty including the challenges of receiving legal aid from a public defender.
May 21, 2020 | Project news, Awards
'Broken Justice' Podcast Earns Honorable Mention in ABA Silver Gavel Awards
The ABA recognized the Pulitzer Center-supported PBS NewsHour podcast series, Broken Justice.
March 12, 2020 | Awards
'Broken Justice' Podcast Named Finalist in Silver Gavel Awards
"Broken Justice," a PBS NewsHour podcast supported by the Pulitzer Center, was recognized in the Radio category.