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.
Ocasio-Cortez introduces housing right to counsel bill
A bill by U.S. House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would fund states establishing or pursuing a right to counsel in eviction cases.
Delaware Lawyer Magazine focuses on access to justice, right to counsel
The latest issue of Delaware Lawyer Magazine features articles looking at access to justice and the right to counsel in Delaware.
CAP issue brief calls for fed gov’t leadership on civil legal aid
An issue brief by the Center for American Progress relies in part on right to counsel efforts to call for federal leadership on civil justice.
Colorado report links housing, health, eviction right to counsel
A report by the Colorado Health Institute looks at the links between housing instability and health and calls for an eviction right to counsel.
CA court reminds of discretion to appoint counsel for prisoners
A California Court of Appeals held that a trial court erred when it said it lacked the ability to appoint counsel for a prisoner.
NY State Bar calls for right to counsel in immigration cases
The NY State Bar endorsed a resolution calling for a statewide right to counsel in immigration removal proceedings.
NCCRC’s work featured in Governing Magazine
The NCCRC and the civil right to counsel movement were featured recently in Governing Magazine, the preeminent publication for state and local government officials.
Report: multidisciplinary rep for parents reduces foster care use
A comprehensive, multi-year study found that providing multidisciplinary representation for parents in child welfare cases improved outcomes.
Ninth Circuit twice dodges question of right to counsel for kids in immigration cases
Two federal cases sought a right to counsel for all immigrant children in deportation proceedings, but the Ninth Circuit avoided both cases.
State adds right to counsel for extended foster care
A new New Mexico law adds voluntary extended foster care for children aging out and provides counsel for children who opt in.
Montana Supreme Court acts to protect parent right to counsel
The Montana Supreme Court found that a parent had not waived his right to counsel in an adoption case, and strengthened the waiver standard.
NJ court: counsel must be appointed prior to suspending driver’s licenses
A NJ trial court has held the state must appoint counsel prior to suspending a person's driver's license for inability to pay child support.
