Civil RTC News
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don’t fit into a neat category.
MA high court avoids RTC question for civil contempt, but issues strong ruling/concurrence
The Massachusetts high court avoided answering whether there is a right to counsel for civil contempt cases, but issued a strong opinion.
Maryland AG creates access to justice task force, flags right to counsel
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced the creation of an access to justice task force and that right to counsel would be considered.
Iowa pilot will allow early appointment of counsel for parents
A bill passed in 2020 will allow the public defender to appoint counsel for parents prior to formal dependency proceedings.
Study: COVID-19, housing instability, and right to counsel
A new study explains how COVID-19, the public health crisis, evictions, and the right to counsel are connected.
The NCCRC’s statement on the murder of George Floyd and the protests
A statement from the NCCRC regarding the murder of George Floyd, the protests, and the connection to housing justice.
Report finds racial disparity in evictions, calls for right to counsel
A report finds the majority of MA evictions suspended during COVID-19 are in communities of color, and calls for a right to counsel.
Report: Baltimore/MD would save $36 million w/tenant right to counsel
A report by a financial analysis company concludes Baltimore and Maryland would save a combined $36 million with a right to counsel for tenants.
Civil right to counsel resolution introduced in Congress
U.S. House Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA) and 14 cosponsors introduced a resolution to provide a right to counsel in civil cases.
Michigan report calls for eviction right to counsel
A Michigan report outlines the state's high eviction filing rate as well as the representational imbalance between tenants and landlords.
Delaware report flags low tenant rep rate, need for counsel
A University of Delaware report flags the low rate of tenant representation and the small dollars involved in some eviction actions.
Bill would amend standards for appointing civil counsel in federal court
New federal legislation would address flaws in the statute governing discretionary appointment of counsel in federal civil cases.
More federal bills would fund cities/states pursuing right to counsel
Bills filed in the U.S. House and Senate would fund cities/states expanding eviction defense and prioritize those with a right to counsel.
