Major developments

Former NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has called for New York to hold a constitutional convention on the right to counsel in civil cases.

A study on the impact of providing counsel for DV victims was conducted by the University of Iowa and Iowa Legal Aid.

A law passed in 2016 requires the court to appoint an attorney for a child to act as guardian ad litem in termination cases.

SJR 28, passed by the California Assembly, urges the federal government to guarantee counsel for children in immigration cases.

A law passed in 2016 requires the court to appoint an attorney for a child to act as guardian ad litem in abuse/neglect cases.

A New Mexico appellate court held that a trial court's failure to advise a parent of her statutory right to counsel was fundamental error.

A report examines the situation in Washington State as to when children are appointed counsel in child welfare cases.

A new "Justice for All Initiative" launched by national court leaders includes civil right to counsel as part of the plan.

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held there is a right to counsel for parents in adoption cases under the NJ Constitution's Due Process Clause.

A 2016 law authorizes a court to appoint counsel post-imposition of a guardianship/conservatorship if the court determines the ward needs it.

The U.N. Committee to End Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called on the U.S. to guarantee counsel in immigration cases.

A paper requested by the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services explores the history and future of the civil right to counsel movement.

The updated Justice Index, which ranks the states on access to justice, now includes some factors relating to civil right to counsel.

In 2016, the Mississippi Legislature enacted a law authorizing youth court judges to appoint counsel for parents in child welfare cases.

This bill would have required a child's appointed counsel to continues past TPR until permanent placement has been finalized.

The Supreme Judicial Court of MA held there is a constitutional right to counsel in proceedings to establish or modify a child guardianship.

A new law authorizes appointment of counsel for a person (other than the defendant) claiming an interest in property subject to forfeiture.

The Wisconsin legislature created a study committee to examine how to expand access to counsel in civil cases.

In 2016, the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill authorizing judges to appoint counsel for parents in termination of parental rights cases.

The Supreme Court of Texas held that a parent's right to counsel in child welfare cases extends to an appeal to the high court.

The Supreme Court of Texas held that a parent's right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases extends to an appeal to the high court.

A story by the Associated Press features civil right to counsel legislation across the country and the NCCRC.

The Department of Justice and Office of Child Support Enforcement have reminded state courts about the right to counsel for some civil matters.

Over two dozen bills that would establish or expand rights to counsel in civil cases have been filed in state legislatures across the country.

The incoming CT State Bar President and the CT Supreme Court Chief Justice say a civil right to counsel must be examined.

A 2015 bill extended the right to counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings to non-respondent parents who appear in court.

New Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Gaetan Alfano has said that civil right to counsel will be a priority during his term.

The NCCRC joined a December meeting convened by the Department of Justice and the White House about the rise of debtor's prisons.

A comprehensive study concluded that detained immigrants are 5.5 times more likely to avoid removal if they have a lawyer.

A report by the National Center for State Courts reveals that at least three-quarters of all civil cases involve at least one pro se party.