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.
Right to counsel
The Alaska Supreme Court has held that indigent parents have a state constitutional right to counsel in certain custody proceedings.
New uniform law expands protections in adult guardianship proceedings
An updated uniform act improves the right to counsel for adult wards in guardianship proceedings.
Legislation: higher education proceedings
This bill would require counsel for an indigent higher education student subject to disciplinary proceeding due to allegation of a crime.
Immigration representation across country to expand, backed by report
A study found represented immigrants are 12 times more likely to avoid deportation. The study is tied to a project to expand representation.
Wisconsin case addresses right to counsel for confinement of pregnant women
A Wisconsin case raised the issue of right to counsel when pregnant women are civilly committed for alleged child endangerment.
Wisconsin case addresses RTCl for involuntary treatment of pregnant women
A Wisconsin case raised the issue of right to counsel when pregnant women are involuntarily treated for alleged child endangerment.
NCCRC gives input to 2017 UN Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty
NCCRC collaborated on a report to a UN Rapporteur urging the recognition of a right to counsel in civil cases as a way of combatting poverty.
Delaware Access to Justice Commission subcommittees call for right to counsel
A report by several subcommittees of the Delaware Access to Justice Commission urges recognition of a right to counsel for more civil cases.
Survey: Americans overwhelmingly support right to counsel in civil cases
A survey conducted by Voices for Civil Justice reveals that Americans strongly support a right to counsel in civil cases.
Report: Turner’s “procedural safeguards” have failed in South Carolina
A report studying the impact of Turner v. Rogers in the child support context has found that most indigent obligors are still incarcerated
US Commission on Civil Rights calls for counsel in fees/fines cases
The US Commission on Civil Rights released a report regarding the need for counsel prior to incarceration for failure to pay fees/fines.
Conference of State Court Administrators urges counsel for all child welfare cases
COSCA has released a new child welfare policy urging all state courts to provide counsel for parents and children in child welfare cases.
