Law

Drivers might unknowingly be exposing themselves to violations of their constitutional rights. Legal experts discuss privacy violations related to car insurance, the "Kansas two-step," and what to do if you're pulled over.

Lawrence, Kansas, educator Matt Beat, who goes by the name Mr. Beat and produces videos about American history, will be in Kansas City on Thursday to discuss his book "The Power of Our Supreme Court."

Both states have a non-partisan merit selection system where voters decide whether or not to keep a judge in office through regular retention elections. This year, a multitude of judges — including two on the Missouri Supreme Court — are up for retention on the 2024 ballot.

The nonprofit Kansas Legal Services works to provide "equal access to justice for the most vulnerable Kansans," including helping clear records and get driver's licenses restored. A new study found that free and low-cost legal assistance is also positive for the economy at large.

Law students at UMKC's Expungement Clinic helped nearly 60 people clear their criminal records, giving them better opportunities for jobs and housing. But the clinic's funding ran out in January, leaving some formerly incarcerated people without hope.

The Supreme Court of the United States will decide this summer if unhoused people can be fined or arrested for sleeping outside. Local government officials, including some in Kansas City, say enforcement of encampments is needed to address the crisis. But advocates say criminalization is a waste of resources.

A small Kansas newspaper, the Marion County Record, was the target of a raid by the local police force last August. Now, the paper is suing the police and other government officials arguing that they violated the First Amendment.

After former Kansas City Police officer Eric DeValkanaere was convicted of killing unarmed Black man Cameron Lamb, there's been speculation — and protest — about his potential pardon by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

An investigation by the Kansas City Star found that Marion County Police Chief Gideon Cody, who was behind the highly-criticized raid on the local newspaper, left his previous job at the Kansas City Police Department under scrutiny. Cody faced a demotion and was being investigated for his sexist treatment of a fellow officer.

The Marion County attorney withdrew the search warrant that police used to justify a raid on the Marion County Record last Friday, and all seized items were returned. But, the newspaper's lawyer says the fight isn't over.

Police seized computers, cell phones and documents during raids on the offices of the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher on Friday. Now, the lawyer for the newspaper is speaking out.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. Now, borrowers in Kansas City and around the country are figuring out what that means for them.