Lawsuit calls Ferguson a 'modern debtors' prison'

Ferguson courthouse
(Image credit: Michael B. Thomas/Stringer/Getty Images)

A lawsuit filed Sunday alleges that Ferguson, Missouri, is operating a "modern debtors' prison."

Fifteen people filed class-action lawsuits against Ferguson and Jennings, Missouri. The lawsuits allege that Ferguson's court system has served as a cash cow for the city, forcing poor residents who couldn't pay fines for minor offenses, such as traffic violations, into jail.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.