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.
NY Chief Judge calls for counsel in all foreclosure cases
NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has said he wants there to be an attorney in every foreclosure case in the state.
Detainees with mental disabilities have right to assistance, says federal court; deportees may return
A federal district court held that detainees with mental disabilities have the right to assistance in their immigration removal cases.
Pennsylvania hearings on civil legal aid discuss right to counsel
The PA Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings in 2013 about the civil legal justice gap, and many people testified about a right to counsel.
NY civil legal aid hearings invoke right to counsel
At hearings convened by NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, advocates testified about the justice gap and civil right to counsel.
Kansas Supreme Court recognizes right to counsel in sex offender commitment cases
The Kansas Supreme Court has said there is a right to counsel in sexually violent predator commitment proceedings.
Constitution requires counsel for parents in adoptions, MA high court rules
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for indigent parents in private adoption cases.
Ohio Supreme Court extends right to counsel to guardianship review cases
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that as a matter of statutory construction, there is a right to counsel in reviews of existing guardianships.
Constitution requires counsel for children in adoptions, MA high court rules
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for children in private adoption cases.
Model Code for Education includes right to counsel
The 2012 version of the Model Code on Education and Dignity contains significant right to counsel provisions.
San Francisco enacts ordinance declaring intent to become first “right to civil counsel city”
The San Francisco Council passed an ordinance declaring an intent to become the first "right to civil counsel city".
ABA Adopts Model Act on Child’s Right to Counsel
In 2011, the ABA endorsed the Model Act for Children in Abuse, Neglect and Dependency Proceedings, which covers right to counsel.
MA completes comprehensive housing pilots
A set of housing right to counsel pilots were completed in Massachusetts in 2012 and 2013.
