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.
WA Senate bill adds right to counsel for post-termination dependent children
Washington SB6126 created a right to counsel for dependent children within 6 months after a petition to terminate parental rights is granted.
Indiana Supreme Court declares right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases
The Indiana Supreme Court clarified that parents have a statutory right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases, and failure to appoint is error.
Hawaii Supreme Court says parents have right to counsel in abuse/TPR cases
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that all parents have a constitutional right to counsel under the state's due process clause.
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for parents in private adoption proceedings.
Two MD legislative commissions urge phased-in RTC in DV, and custody pilot
One Maryland legislative task force and one commission urge the state to adopt a phased-in right to counsel in DV cases and a custody pilot.
NY Times features NCCRC, nationwide push for civil right to counsel
The New York Times discussed the nationwide push for civil legal aid and highlighted the NCCRC as well as efforts by some of its participants.
Minnesota Supreme Court essay contest focuses on civil right to counsel
The Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society's 2014 essay contest for high school students was about civil right to counsel.
MA Report discusses those turned away for legal aid, and benefits of counsel
The BBA Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid's report discusses how many eligible clients are turned away and the economic benefits of counsel.
State supreme court justices talk civil right to counsel
At the LSC 40th Anniversary event, several state supreme court justices spoke favorably about the right to counsel in civil cases.
GA high court says some civil contempt cases might require counsel
In response to a class action, the Supreme Court of Georgia said there might be a right to counsel in some child support civil contempt cases.
Lack of right to counsel affects POC communities, says treaty body
The international body that enforces the CERD treaty urged the U.S. to address the impact of a lack of a right to counsel on people of color.
NJ appellate court extends right to counsel to civil contempt review proceedings
A New Jersey court found a right to appointed counsel in a hearing on whether a child support obligee should remain in prison for contempt.
