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.
NY appellate ct: trial court erred in imputing income for appointed counsel decision
An appellate court in New York held that trial courts cannot impute income in determining whether a person is entitled to appointed counsel.
New national reports call for right to counsel in housing cases
New reports by the Center for Social Innovation and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty support a right to counsel in evictions.
Wisconsin pilot finds DV rep improves outcomes, saves money
A Wisconsin pilot project found that providing representation to victims of domestic violence improved personal/family safety and saved money.
ACLU report decries private debt collection, calls for right to counsel
A new report by the ACLU looks at the collection of private debt and the need for counsel to protect debtors from incarceration.
ABA adopts NCCRC-authored resolution on right to counsel
A new ABA resolution, authored by the NCCRC, calls for a right to counsel whenever physical liberty is at stake.
Supreme Court of Ohio strengthens parental right to counsel
A new decision from the Supreme Court of Ohio creates a stronger standard for waiver of a parent's right to counsel in the termination context.
Vermont bill would establish right to counsel for immigration matters
A bill would require the appointment of counsel for immigrants in various kinds of immigration proceedings.
MA trial court issues historic right to counsel decision
A Massachusetts trial court ordered the appointment of an attorney ad litem in a housing eviction case.
WA court says child should have been appointed counsel
A Washington Court of Appeals held that a trial court should have appointed counsel for a child in a dependency proceeding.
Nevada Legislature rewrites guardianship law to strengthen right to counsel
The Nevada Legislature strengthened the right to counsel for protected persons in guardianship cases in several ways.
NH Legislature moves to require counsel prior to fees/fines incarceration
The NH Legislature enacted a bill in 2017 that requires appointment of counsel prior to incarceration for failure to pay criminal fees/fines.
Iowa enacts law separating GAL and attorney roles for children in custody cases
A 2017 law separates the role of guardian ad litem and attorney for children in custody cases.
