Alaska
Categorical Right To Counsel
          Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
          Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
          No Such Proceeding
          No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
          Other
          Categorical Right To Counsel
                      There is a right to counsel without qualification for all indigent individuals in this type of case (except that the individual may be required to request counsel).
                  Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
                      Courts are permitted but not required to appoint counsel for any indigent individual in this type of case. A request may be required.
                  Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
                      The established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including: the only authority comes from a lower/intermediate court decision or a city government, not a high court or state legislature; a case has cast doubt on prior authority; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all individuals or proceedings within that type of case.
                  No Such Proceeding
                      This state has no law creating a judicial proceeding of this type.
                  No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
                    While this state does not provide for or require appointment of counsel with respect to the given subject area, it does have something (such as a report or bar policy) that supports the right to or appointment of counsel for this subject area.
                  Other
Because the "Other subject areas” category can include developments from different subject areas that do not work the same way as each other, a blanket categorization of this category is not possible.
Denies
                      This state has law explicitly stating that there is no right to counsel for this area.
                  Qualified
                    Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
                  Court Rule or Initiative
Key Development
                            ? 
                              
                                While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                discretionary).
                              
                            
                          
                            October 17, 2022
                          
                                                Alaska expands right to counsel for children
                        Provides for mandatory and discretionary appointment of counsel for children 10 years of age or older in CINA cases in certain circumstances.  
                        
                        
                          Read More
                        
                        
                            Appointment of Counsel:   Yes                          
                          
                          Qualified:   Yes
                            ?
                              
                                If "yes",
                                the established right to counsel or
                                discretionary appointment of counsel
                                is
                                limited
                                in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                is a
                                lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                not a high court or state legislature; there
                                has been
                                a subsequent case that
                                has
                                cast doubt; a statute
                                is
                                ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                is not
                                for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                within that category.
                              
                            
                          Doesn't Affect
                    Custody Disputes - Parents
                  Legislation
                            February 9, 2024
                          
                                                Bills intended to narrow the reach of the Alaska Supreme Court's decision in Flores have died
                        Cross-filed bills meant to amend the definition of "public agency" to exclude the Alaska Legal Servs. Corp. and thus narrow access to counsel.
                        
                        
                          Read More
                        
                        
                            Appointment of Counsel:   Doesn't Affect                          
                          
                          Qualified:   No
                            ?
                              
                                If "yes",
                                the established right to counsel or
                                discretionary appointment of counsel
                                is
                                limited
                                in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                is a
                                lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                not a high court or state legislature; there
                                has been
                                a subsequent case that
                                has
                                cast doubt; a statute
                                is
                                ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                is not
                                for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                within that category.
                              
                            
                          Litigation
                            January 9, 2017
                          
                                                Right to counsel
                        The Alaska Supreme Court has held that indigent parents have a state constitutional right to counsel in certain custody proceedings.
                        
                        
                          Read More
                        
                        
                            Appointment of Counsel:   Yes                          
                          
                          Qualified:   Yes
                            ?
                              
                                If "yes",
                                the established right to counsel or
                                discretionary appointment of counsel
                                is
                                limited
                                in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                is a
                                lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                not a high court or state legislature; there
                                has been
                                a subsequent case that
                                has
                                cast doubt; a statute
                                is
                                ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                is not
                                for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                within that category.
                              
                            
                          
The NCCRC assisted with the amicus briefs in the Dennis O. case and provided briefing and oral argument support to the ALSC in its amicus work on the Matter of Public Advocacy case.
Doesn't Affect
                    Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
                  Legislation
                            February 9, 2024
                          
                                                Bills intended to narrow the reach of the Alaska Supreme Court's decision in Flores have died
                        Cross-filed bills meant to amend the definition of "public agency" to exclude the Alaska Legal Servs. Corp. and thus narrow access to counsel.
                        
                        
                          Read More
                        
                        
                            Appointment of Counsel:   Doesn't Affect                          
                          
                          Qualified:   No
                            ?
                              
                                If "yes",
                                the established right to counsel or
                                discretionary appointment of counsel
                                is
                                limited
                                in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                is a
                                lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                not a high court or state legislature; there
                                has been
                                a subsequent case that
                                has
                                cast doubt; a statute
                                is
                                ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                is not
                                for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                within that category.
                              
                            
                          Categorical
                    Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
                  Legislation
Key Development
                            ? 
                              
                                While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                discretionary).
                              
                            
                          Right to counsel
                        A court rule requires appointment of counsel for indigent parents in state-initiated termination of parental rights cases.
                        
                        
                          Read More
                        
                        
                            Appointment of Counsel:   Yes                          
                          
                          Qualified:   No
                            ?
                              
                                If "yes",
                                the established right to counsel or
                                discretionary appointment of counsel
                                is
                                limited
                                in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                is a
                                lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                not a high court or state legislature; there
                                has been
                                a subsequent case that
                                has
                                cast doubt; a statute
                                is
                                ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                is not
                                for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                within that category.
                              
                            
                          Categorical
                    Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court held that the state constitution's due process clause requires counsel for indigent parents in abuse/neglect cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Court Rule or Initiative
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          A court rules requires appointment of counsel for indigent parents in CINA cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          Courts may appoint counsel for children in CINA cases in certain circumstances.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Court Rule or Initiative
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            
                              October 17, 2022
                            
                          
                          Alaska expands right to counsel for children
                          Provides for mandatory and discretionary appointment of counsel for children 10 years of age or older in CINA cases in certain circumstances.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    All Basic Human Needs
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel for parents
                          A statute requires the representation for “an indigent parent of a child with a disability”, apparently for any civil proceeding.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            No Such Proceeding
                    Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
                  Litigation
No such proceeding
                          The Alaska Supreme Court has held that parental consent and notification provisions are unconstitutional. 
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   No Such Proceeding
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Child Support Establishment
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          Where post-majority support for an 18-year-old child is at issue in a divorce, the court may appoint counsel for the child.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Civil Commitment
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court found a state constitutional due process right to counsel for involuntary commitment.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Indigent adults have the right to counsel in civil commitment, as do indigent minors and their parents in mental health commitments.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Civil Contempt in Family Court
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court found a state and federal due process right to counsel for indigent defendants in nonsupport civil contempt cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Custody Disputes - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          The court may appoint counsel for the child in certain family law proceedings.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Custody Disputes - Parents
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            
                              January 9, 2017
                            
                          
                          Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court has held that indigent parents have a state constitutional right to counsel in certain custody proceedings.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            
The NCCRC assisted with the amicus briefs in the Dennis O. case and provided briefing and oral argument support to the ALSC in its amicus work on the Matter of Public Advocacy case.
Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Indigent parents in custody cases are entitled to counsel if the opposing party is represented by counsel provided by a public agency.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment
                          A court may appoint an attorney or GAL to represent a minor when a protective order is filed on the minor's behalf.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Forfeiture (incomplete)
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          The Alaska Sup. Ct. held that a court can appoint counsel for indigent claimants in civil forfeiture proceedings in certain circumstances.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Respondents in guardianship matters are entitled to appointed counsel, but only if indigent.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          Minors subject to guardianship may be entitled to counsel in guardianship appointment and removal matters and to a GAL in conservatorships.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Parents have RTC if opponent is represented by public agency and parents whose rights were terminated have RTC about retained privileges.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Sup. Ct. recognized a right to counsel in civil contempt cases, which suggests there is a RTC in fees and fines matters.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to Counsel
                          Indigent adults have the right to counsel in involuntary treatment matters, as do indigent minors and their parents in mental health cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court found a state constitutional due process right to counsel for involuntary administration of psychotropic medication.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Other subject area
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          An indigent witness who refuses or may refuse to testify due to the privilege against self-incrimination has a right to counsel.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment - Removal of disabilities of minority
                          The court may appoint an attorney for a minor seeking to remove the "disabilities of minority."
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Parentage - Defendant/Respondent
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court found a state constitutional due process right to counsel for indigent defendants in state-initiated paternity cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Quarantine/Isolation
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel for an individual or a group who is isolated, quarantined, or to be tested pursuant to a public health order.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            No Such Proceeding
                    Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment
                  Legislation
No such proceeding
                          There is no procedure in the state for confinement of a sexually dangerous/violent person.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   No Such Proceeding
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Special Education
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Indigent parents of disabled children younger than 18 years of age may have the right to counsel in due process hearings related to education.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court held that indigent parents have a state constitutional right to counsel in contested adoption cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          A court rule requires appointment of counsel for indigent parents in adoption cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          A court may appoint counsel for a child in an adoption proceeding.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The Alaska Supreme Court has said that indigent parents have a state constitutional right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          A court rule requires appointment of counsel for indigent parents in state-initiated termination of parental rights cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            No Such Proceeding
                    Truancy - Petition Against Child
                  Legislation
No such proceeding
                          In Alaska, only parents can be prosecuted for truancy, not children.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   No Such Proceeding
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.