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.
NJ Supreme Court recognizes right to counsel for parents in adoption cases
The Supreme Court of New Jersey held there is a right to counsel for parents in adoption cases under the NJ Constitution's Due Process Clause.
MA high court: parents have right to counsel in private child guardianship establishment and modification proceedings
The Supreme Judicial Court of MA held there is a constitutional right to counsel in proceedings to establish or modify a child guardianship.
MA Senate Committee, Trial Court reports flag right to counsel issues in fees/fines cases
Reports from a MA Senate Committee and MA Trial Court Working Group call for a right to counsel in fees/fines cases.
Housing Not Handcuffs campaign kicks off, features right to counsel
A new campaign to end the criminalization of homelessness features right to counsel in housing cases as a major policy platform.
Report: represented immigrants far more likely to be released, win case
A new report by the American Immigration Council shows that represented immigrants are far more likely to be released and win their cases.
Nevada Sup. Ct. Commission urges expansion of right to counsel for adult guardianships
A commission created by the Nevada Supreme Court released a report calling for all potential wards to be provided counsel in guardianships.
Former AG Eric Holder calls for civil right to counsel
At the 2016 NLADA Exemplar Award Dinner, Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called for the right to counsel in civil cases.
Former NY Chief Judge calls for constitutional convention on civil right to counsel
Former NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has called for New York to hold a constitutional convention on the right to counsel in civil cases.
NIJ study released on effect of counsel for DV victims
A study on the impact of providing counsel for DV victims was conducted by the University of Iowa and Iowa Legal Aid.
California Legislature calls for fed gov’t to ensure counsel for children in immigration cases
SJR 28, passed by the California Assembly, urges the federal government to guarantee counsel for children in immigration cases.
New Mexico court: failure to advise parent of right to appointed counsel is fundamental error
A New Mexico appellate court held that a trial court's failure to advise a parent of her statutory right to counsel was fundamental error.
Colorado expands appointment of counsel to later guardianship proceedings
A 2016 law authorizes a court to appoint counsel post-imposition of a guardianship/conservatorship if the court determines the ward needs it.
