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.
ABA guidelines call for right to counsel in fees/fines cases
The American Bar Association has adopted a set of principles on how fees/fines should be collected, and one advocates for a right to counsel.
Wyo. Supreme Court upholds parents’ right to counsel
The Supreme Court of Wyoming held parents are entitled to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect cases even when not the subject of allegations.
Florida court: adoption agencies can’t challenge parents’ right to counsel
A Florida Court of Appeals held that an adoption agency could not challenge the appointment of counsel for a parent in an adoption case.
Fed legislation would require immigration counsel for children, vulnerable adults
A federal bill would require counsel for unaccompanied minors and vulnerable adults in immigration proceedings.
Concord CA eviction report calls for right to counsel
A report out of Concord, California finding numerous problems with the housing market recommends a right to counsel as a policy solution.
California report flags eviction numbers/speed, calls for right to counsel
A new report from Tenants Together cites sky-high statewide eviction numbers and calls for a right to counsel.
Right to counsel the focus of July 17 public breakfast event
On July 17 in NYC, the NCCRC hosted a public breakfast event to educate about the latest happenings in the civil right to counsel movement.
Discretionary appointment of counsel – standby guardianships
A court may appoint counsel for a child when petition by a standby guardian to assume custody is filed.
Report makes case for universal representation for immigrants
A report from New Jersey Policy Perspective shows that immigrants fare better and the state saves money when counsel is provided.
New Georgia law protects parents’ right to counsel
Waiver of a parent's right to counsel in child welfare cases now has to be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent, thanks to new legislation.
MA moves to guarantee counsel for all fees/fines incarceration
A bill passed in 2018 guarantees counsel for all those subject to incarceration for failure to pay any money owed.
Wisconsin takes step towards right to counsel for parents
A new 2018 law creates pilot programs that provide a right to counsel for parents in CHIPS cases in 5 counties.