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.
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.
Comprehensive housing plan urges right to counsel in eviction cases
A briefing book from People's Action calls for a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, pointing to the successful program in NYC.
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.
Report: attys, especially legal aid attys, reduce Chicago evictions
A 2019 report found that being represented by a legal services attorney has a significant impact on eviction rates.
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.
NACC urges RTC for kids when CAPTA reauthorized
The National Association of Counsel for Children is urging Congress to require counsel for children when renewing the governing law.
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.
Right to counsel – extreme risk protection orders
A respondent has a right to counsel in a proceeding relating to a protection order due to possession of firearms.
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.
