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.
MA Senate Committee, Trial Court reports flag right to counsel issues in fees/fines cases
Reports from a MA Senate Committee and MA Trial Court Working Group call for a right to counsel in fees/fines cases.
NY court: wards have constitutional right to counsel in Art. 17-A guardianship proceedings
A NY Surrogate's Court held that proposed wards have a constitutional right to counsel in Article 17-A guardianship cases.
California Legislature calls for fed gov’t to ensure counsel for children in immigration cases
SJR 28, passed by the California Assembly, urges the federal government to guarantee counsel for children in immigration cases.
Report: Whether Washington kids get counsel depends on where they live
A report examines the situation in Washington State as to when children are appointed counsel in child welfare cases.
“100% Access to Justice” Initiative launched, includes civil right to counsel
A new "Justice for All Initiative" launched by national court leaders includes civil right to counsel as part of the plan.
NJ Supreme Court recognizes right to counsel for parents in adoption cases
The Supreme Court of New Jersey held there is a right to counsel for parents in adoption cases under the NJ Constitution's Due Process Clause.
MA high court: parents have right to counsel in private child guardianship establishment and modification proceedings
The Supreme Judicial Court of MA held there is a constitutional right to counsel in proceedings to establish or modify a child guardianship.
Presumptive appointment for criminal defendants & Discretionary appointment for claimants
Criminal defendants have a presumptive right to counsel in forfeiture cases, while appointment is discretionary for claimants.
Housing Not Handcuffs campaign kicks off, features right to counsel
A new campaign to end the criminalization of homelessness features right to counsel in housing cases as a major policy platform.
Report: represented immigrants far more likely to be released, win case
A new report by the American Immigration Council shows that represented immigrants are far more likely to be released and win their cases.
Nevada Sup. Ct. Commission urges expansion of right to counsel for adult guardianships
A commission created by the Nevada Supreme Court released a report calling for all potential wards to be provided counsel in guardianships.
Former AG Eric Holder calls for civil right to counsel
At the 2016 NLADA Exemplar Award Dinner, Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called for the right to counsel in civil cases.
