Episode 53: Expungement Expectations vs. Reality in Employment
The A2J Lab’s randomized control trial on expungement examined the uptake and obstacles of criminal record clearing while also looking into its effect on various socio-economic outcomes. This week’s Proof Over Precedent episode gathers study researchers to discuss the “surprising and depressing” findings on expungement’s effect on employment. They also dive into explanations for the stark difference between individuals’ optimism and reality in the experiment.
Episode 52: Study Exposes Complex Criminal Record Clearing Process
Is the form-filling expungement process as easy for unrepresented individuals as some believe? In this week’s Proof Over Precedent episode, host Jim Greiner welcomes the A2J Lab team involved in our long-running Kansas-based study looking at the current record-clearing process and its obstacles. The results offer clear evidence for what it takes for a successful expungement.
Episode 51: How Lawyers and Rental Assistance Impact Eviction Cases
Facing an eviction, a tenant has to decide if the added expense of an attorney is worth it for the possibility of avoiding an eviction judgment. In a discussion of a randomized controlled trial outside the A2J Lab, Faculty Director Jim Greiner talks with economists Aviv Caspi and Charlie Rafkin about when, why, and whether lawyers make a difference in evictions cases. The study coincided with a government emergency housing fund that expired during the RCT, which helped answer how lawyers can best make a difference as well.