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 extends right to counsel to non-respondent parents
A 2015 bill extended the right to counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings to non-respondent parents who appear in court.
Nat’l Center for State Courts: 3/4 of civil cases have one unrepresented party
A report by the National Center for State Courts reveals that at least three-quarters of all civil cases involve at least one pro se party.
NH restores, protects right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect proceedings
In 2013, the legislature restored the right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases, and the NH Supreme Court has acted to protect it.
Florida SCT: right to counsel in termination proceedings survived SCOTUS opinion
The Florida Supreme Court upheld the due process right to counsel for indigent parents in termination proceedings, rejecting SCOTUS precedent.
Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Joins Chorus for Civil Right to Counsel
New Philadelphia Bar Chancellor Gaetan Alfano has said that civil right to counsel will be a priority during his term.
NCCRC participates in DOJ/White House meeting on debtor’s prison
The NCCRC joined a December meeting convened by the Department of Justice and the White House about the rise of debtor's prisons.
Study: detained immigrants 5.5x more likely to prevail with lawyer
A comprehensive study concluded that detained immigrants are 5.5 times more likely to avoid removal if they have a lawyer.
NH Supreme Court rejects attempt to truncate parental right to counsel
The NH Supreme Court rejected a proposed rule change that would have truncated a parent's right to counsel in dependency (abuse/neglect) cases.
WA State Bar: kids should have right to counsel in dependency proceedings
The Washington State Bar Association passed a resolution urging the state to guarantee lawyers for children in dependency (abuse/neglect) cases.
UNC Law School human rights report flags lack of right to counsel in civil cases
A new report by UNC Law School explains how lack of a civil right to counsel violates international human rights law.
NY Legislature first to declare support for civil right to counsel principles
The NY Senate and House passed a concurrent resolution supporting the concept of universal representation in basic human needs civil cases.
Texas enacts law expanding right to counsel for parents
A Texas law enacted in 2015 provides for appointment of counsel for unknown/unlocatable parents and provides earlier notice to other parents.
