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.
New Mexico court: failure to advise parent of right to appointed counsel is fundamental error
A New Mexico appellate court held that a trial court's failure to advise a parent of her statutory right to counsel was fundamental error.
UN body calls for right to counsel in U.S. immigration cases
The U.N. Committee to End Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called on the U.S. to guarantee counsel in immigration cases.
Comprehensive paper explores status, future of civil right to counsel
A paper requested by the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services explores the history and future of the civil right to counsel movement.
2016 Justice Index now features civil right to counsel
The updated Justice Index, which ranks the states on access to justice, now includes some factors relating to civil right to counsel.
Wisconsin legislature creates access to civil legal services study committee
The Wisconsin legislature created a study committee to examine how to expand access to counsel in civil cases.
AP story featuring right to counsel, NCCRC picked up by Washington Post and NYTimes
A story by the Associated Press features civil right to counsel legislation across the country and the NCCRC.
Fed gov’t agencies warn state courts about right to counsel obligations
The Department of Justice and Office of Child Support Enforcement have reminded state courts about the right to counsel for some civil matters.
Bills on civil right to counsel dominate 2016 legislative sessions
Over two dozen bills that would establish or expand rights to counsel in civil cases have been filed in state legislatures across the country.
CT Chief Justice, State Bar President cite importance of civil right to counsel
The incoming CT State Bar President and the CT Supreme Court Chief Justice say a civil right to counsel must be examined.
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
National Center for State Courts report 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.
