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.
Housing Not Handcuffs campaign kicks off, features right to counsel
A new campaign to end the criminalization of homelessness features right to counsel in housing cases as a major policy platform.
Report: represented immigrants far more likely to be released, win case
A new report by the American Immigration Council shows that represented immigrants are far more likely to be released and win their cases.
Nevada Sup. Ct. Commission urges expansion of right to counsel for adult guardianships
A commission created by the Nevada Supreme Court released a report calling for all potential wards to be provided counsel in guardianships.
Former AG Eric Holder calls for civil right to counsel
At the 2016 NLADA Exemplar Award Dinner, Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called for the right to counsel in civil cases.
Former NY Chief Judge calls for constitutional convention on civil right to counsel
Former NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has called for New York to hold a constitutional convention on the right to counsel in civil cases.
California Legislature calls for fed gov’t to ensure counsel for children in immigration cases
SJR 28, passed by the California Assembly, urges the federal government to guarantee counsel for children in immigration cases.
New Mexico court: failure to advise parent of right to appointed counsel is fundamental error
A New Mexico appellate court held that a trial court's failure to advise a parent of her statutory right to counsel was fundamental error.
Report: whether Washington kids get counsel depends on where they live
A report examines the situation in Washington State as to when children are appointed counsel in child welfare cases.
“100% Access to Justice” Initiative launched, includes civil right to counsel
A new "Justice for All Initiative" launched by national court leaders includes civil right to counsel as part of the plan.
UN body calls for right to counsel in U.S. immigration cases
The U.N. Committee to End Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called on the U.S. to guarantee counsel in immigration cases.
Comprehensive paper explores status, future of civil right to counsel
A paper requested by the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services explores the history and future of the civil right to counsel movement.
2016 Justice Index now features civil right to counsel
The updated Justice Index, which ranks the states on access to justice, now includes some factors relating to civil right to counsel.