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.
Articles, studies make case for right to counsel in debt cases
Two new articles in the Harvard Law & Policy Review support the right to counsel in debt cases.
Federal agency: all parents/children should be represented in child welfare cases
DHHS' Administration for Children and Families has issued a memo calling for counsel for all parents/children in child welfare cases.
Utah high court: some parents have right to counsel in private termination cases
The Supreme Court of Utah held that parents may be constitutionally entitled to counsel in private termination of rights cases.
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.
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.
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.
