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.
Nevada Legislature rewrites guardianship law to strengthen right to counsel
The Nevada Legislature strengthened the right to counsel for protected persons in guardianship cases in several ways.
NH Legislature moves to require counsel prior to fees/fines incarceration
The NH Legislature enacted a bill in 2017 that requires appointment of counsel prior to incarceration for failure to pay criminal fees/fines.
Iowa enacts law separating GAL and attorney roles for children in custody cases
A 2017 law separates the role of guardian ad litem and attorney for children in custody cases.
SC Supreme Court: Right to counsel in sex offender commitment cases
The Supreme Court of South Carolina held there is a constitutional right to appointed counsel in sex offender commitment cases.
New uniform law expands protections in adult guardianship proceedings
An updated uniform act improves the right to counsel for adult wards in guardianship proceedings.
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.
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.
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.
ABA resolution calls for right to counsel in immigration cases
ABA Resolution 115, adopted at the 2017 ABA Annual conference, supports a right to counsel in immigration court.
