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.
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.
Right to Counsel
There is a right to counsel for a person diagnosed as "affected with a communicable disease" who has been detained and petitions for discharge.
PA Superior Court: right to appointed counsel where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for failure to pay cost
The PA Superior Court held that counsel must be appointed where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for contempt over failure to pay a cost.
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.
ICWA, right to counsel apply to private guardianships, says Nebraska high court
The Supreme Court of Nebraska held= the Indian Child Welfare Act and its right to counsel provisions appliy to private guardianship disputes.
Webinar tackles funding and race issues in eviction right to counsel
A Shriver Center webinar tackled the question of the race equity implications of an eviction right to counsel, as well as funding questions.
NYC first jurisdiction with universal representation for immigrants
New York is providing universal access to counsel for detained immigrants.
NJ appellate court: counsel required in administrative abuse/neglect cases
An appellate court held that parents have a right to counsel in an administrative proceeding to determine abuse/neglect and for an appeal.
Newark becomes third city to enact right to counsel for evictions
In late 2018, Newark joined NYC and San Francisco in guaranteeing counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Iowa adds discretionary appointment of counsel for kids in guardianship cases
If the court finds that a minor's interests are or may be inadequately represented, it shall appoint counsel.
