Serial The Kids of Rutherford County - Ep. 2
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Nov 16, 2023 Follow young lawyer Wes Clark's frustrating journey in Rutherford County juvenile court as he uncovers a pattern of unlawful detention. He forms a bond with Mark, an experienced juvenile attorney, and fights to end solitary confinement for a 15-year-old client. After filing a federal complaint, Quintarius is released and a deeper scandal is uncovered.
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Wes Clark's First Case
- Wes Clark, a young lawyer, took on juvenile court cases in Rutherford County after struggling with addiction.
- His first client, a 12-year-old girl held for a minor offense, sparked his concern about the court's practices.
Rutherford County's Detention Practices
- Wes observed a pattern of children being jailed for misdemeanors, violating Tennessee's detention statute.
- Despite the law, kids were frequently detained for minor offenses like stealing or hair-pulling.
Wes's Discouragement
- Wes Clark found the juvenile court disheartening, observing kids detained illegally.
- Other lawyers accepted this as the norm, leaving Wes feeling demoralized.