In the spring of 2016, a shocking video of kids fighting in Rutherford County, Tennessee, went viral on the internet, catching the attention of a local police officer. This incident sparked an investigation that led to the arrest of 11 Black schoolchildren, some as young as 8 years old, for their involvement in the fight. However, it was not just the arrests themselves that caused the community and beyond to be rattled. It was the revelation that the county's justice system had been illegally detaining children for years that truly shocked the public.

For over a decade, Rutherford County had been locking up hundreds, possibly thousands, of children unlawfully. The county's juvenile justice system had been operating with a disregard for the law, and it took the determination of two lawyers to challenge this deeply rooted issue.

Wes Clark, a young lawyer, found himself defending children at the Rutherford County juvenile court. It didn't take long for Wes to recognize a troubling pattern within the system - children were being incarcerated for minor offenses, even when the law clearly stated otherwise. Unfortunately, his efforts to convince the juvenile judge to release these children were met with resistance. Frustrated and demoralized, Wes felt alone in his fight for justice.

However, Wes's perspective changed when he crossed paths with another lawyer who shared his beliefs. Together, they embarked on a mission to hold the court accountable for its actions. Their determination grew stronger when one of Wes's clients was unjustly held in solitary confinement. This incident provided the lawyers with the opportunity they had been waiting for - a chance to compel the court to comply with the law.

"The Kids of Rutherford County" is a four-part narrative series that sheds light on the deeply troubling practices within Rutherford County's juvenile justice system. Produced by Serial and The New York Times in collaboration with ProPublica and Nashville Public Radio, the series is hosted and reported by Meribah Knight, a senior reporter and producer at Nashville Public Radio.

Meribah Knight has a strong background in investigative journalism, and her work on juvenile justice for ProPublica was recognized as a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, the Goldsmith Award, and a National Magazine Award. With her expertise, Meribah delves into the system's failures and the individuals responsible for perpetuating this illegal detention of children.

"The Kids of Rutherford County" also features an original score by The Blasting Company, the project of J.R. Kaufman and Justin Rubenstein, best known for their work on the Emmy-winning animated series "Over the Garden Wall." The duo's music adds depth and emotion to the podcast, enhancing the listeners' understanding of the gravity of the situation.

Through meticulous research and fact-checking by Ben Phelan and Naomi Sharp, "The Kids of Rutherford County" aims to expose the truth behind the systemic issues plaguing the county's juvenile justice system. The series is edited by Julie Snyder, Jen Guerra, Anita Badejo, Sarah Blustain, Tony Gonzalez, Ken Armstrong, and Alex Kotlowitz, ensuring a comprehensive and thought-provoking portrayal of the events.

"The Kids of Rutherford County" is a collaborative effort that showcases the power of investigative journalism and the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable. With the support of Serial Productions, The New York Times, ProPublica, and Nashville Public Radio, Meribah Knight's podcast series strives to bring about awareness and change in the face of injustice.