The eviction moratoriums put in place early in the pandemic to prevent a massive homelessness crisis have been expiring in recent weeks. As some lawmakers debate extending them, millions remain at risk of losing their homes if their landlords take them to court.

While U.S. courts usually ensure due process and provide protections to both plaintiff and defendant, eviction courts are different, explains Katy Ramsey Mason, who studies the topic at the University of Memphis. With legal roots in feudal England, these courts focus on swift judgments, leading to lopsided rulings that heavily favor landlords over tenants, she writes.

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Bryan Keogh

Senior Editor, Economy + Business

Eviction moratoriums have already begun to expire. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Landlord-leaning eviction courts are about to make the coronavirus housing crisis a lot worse

Katy Ramsey Mason, University of Memphis

Millions of Americans may be at risk of losing their homes in coming months as eviction moratoriums expire and courts resume a process that heavily favors landlords.

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