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.
MD court: Threat of incarceration makes right to counsel attach
A Maryland appellate court held that statutory law entitles civil contempt defendants to counsel when they are threatened with incarceration.
All about California’s Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel projects
In 2009, California enacted the Shriver Civil Counsel Act to create right to counsel pilots, and in 2016 they were made permanent projects.
Maryland AG creates access to justice task force, flags right to counsel
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced the creation of an access to justice task force and that right to counsel would be considered.
Report finds racial disparity in evictions, calls for right to counsel
A report finds the majority of MA evictions suspended during COVID-19 are in communities of color, and calls for a right to counsel.
About the right to counsel in quarantine/isolation cases
The NCCRC status map now includes full information about the right to counsel when subject to quarantine or isolation.
PA appellate court: right to counsel attaches where incarceration is threatened
A PA appellate court broadly held that the right to counsel attaches when incarceration is threatened in civil matters.
DC court extends child’s right to counsel
The D.C. Court of Appeals held delinquent children have a right to counsel in proceedings run by the Dept' of Youth Rehabilitation Services.
Federal stimulus/budget bill has money for tenant representation
The relief/omnibus bill passed by Congress in December 2020 has several pots of money for tenant representation.
AAAS highlights right to counsel in civil justice report
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report highlighting efforts to expand the right to counsel in civil cases.
About COVID-19 and the right to counsel
All about COVID-19 and how it relates to the right to counsel in critically important civil cases like housing.
Rochester NY to provide counsel for all tenants
Rochester NY will be providing counsel to all tenants facing eviction.
Sen. Harris files federal right to counsel bill
Sen. Kamala Harris filed a comprehensive housing reform bill that would, among other things, provide a right to counsel for tenants.
