In vast numbers of debt collection cases, defendants never appear. Courts then routinely
issue default judgments, often rubber-stamping complaints with little or no examination of …

As consumer debt has surged, the debt collection industry has grown significantly, with
revenues of almost $18 billion in 2023. Debt collectors and debt buyers (third-party …

Individuals regularly take steps to protect themselves, their property, and their broader legal
interests. They carry pepper spray, have guard dogs, and install fences. Such measures are …

This article shines a light on the overwhelmingly unilateral nature of debt collection lawsuits
in California, analyzing a data set of 2.2 million court records from 16 counties, spanning …

On October 4, 2021, an attorney notified Carmen Milan 1, a resident of Fresno, that their debt
collector client was preparing to sue her for a debt they alleged she owed another party …

Debt collection lawsuits have inundated civil courts nationwide, often resulting in default
judgments and severe financial consequences for defendants. Concerns about abuses due …

This Essay draws from on-the-ground interviews and procedural-justice theory to analyze
judging practices in debt-collection courts. Current practices undermine courts' fairness and …