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.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A 2022 law changed appointment of counsel for birth parents in adoption cases from mandatory to discretionary.
Colorado adds right to counsel for older children in abuse/neglect cases
In 2022, Colorado added the right to client-directed counsel for older children in abuse/neglect cases.
Discretionary appointment under “exceptional circumstances”
In 2022, the Indiana Supreme Court found that courts may appoint counsel for individuals whose property is subject to forfeiture.
All about Boulder’s eviction right to counsel
In Nov 2020, voters in Boulder Colorado approved a ballot initiative establishing a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Colorado appellate court recognizes right to counsel in contempt cases post-Turner
The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that indigent parents in child support contempt cases pursued by the government have a right to counsel.
Omaha looks to add tenant right to counsel
Omaha's affordable housing plan includes right to counsel as one of its stated goals.
U.S. hears from advocates on access to justice and CRTC
Meetings between U.S. representatives and access to justice advocates highlighted many issues, including civil right to counsel.
New NCCRC/CityHealth report highlights eviction right to counsel; webinar in Sept
A report by the NCCRC, CityHealth, and Enterprise Community Partners covers housing policies advancing health equity, such as right to counsel.
Michigan court: effective assistance of counsel needed for civil commitments
A Michigan Court of Appeals held that respondents in Michigan civil commitment proceedings are entitled to effective assistance of counsel.
Illinois creates immigration right to counsel task force
An enacted 2022 bill creates a task force to study implementation of an immigration right to counsel, with a report due in 2023.
ACLU/NCCRC report flags eviction’s harms, RTC’s promise
A joint report by the ACLU and NCCRC reviews the data on the widepsread consequences of evictions and right to counsel's impact on the problem.
PA report urges statewide eviction right to counsel
A report from the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center urges the state to fund a right to counsel for tenants statewide.
