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.
State supreme court justices talk civil right to counsel
At the LSC 40th Anniversary event, several state supreme court justices spoke favorably about the right to counsel in civil cases.
Lack of right to counsel affects POC communities, says treaty body
The international body that enforces the CERD treaty urged the U.S. to address the impact of a lack of a right to counsel on people of color.
NJ appellate court extends right to counsel to civil contempt review proceedings
A New Jersey court found a right to appointed counsel in a hearing on whether a child support obligee should remain in prison for contempt.
Report finds right to counsel in immigration would pay for itself
A report commissioned by the NYC Bar finds that an immigration right to counsel would pay for itself.
U.N. Human Rights Committee urges U.S. to provide counsel for DV, immigration
The U.N. Human Rights Committee gave recommendations to the U.S. as to the ICCPR treaty, and urged the provision of counsel in some cases.
New York City holds hearings on providing counsel to immigrants
The New York City Council's Committee on Immigration held public hearings on different models for providing counsel in immigration cases.
Despite strong dissent, NJ Supreme Court avoids ruling on RTC in DV cases
The New Jersey Supreme Court declined to review a decision by the NJ Court of Appeals regarding the right to counsel in DV cases.
MD high court reaffirms right to counsel in civil contempt cases
The Court of Appeals of Maryland has indirectly reaffirmed that people facing incarceration for civil contempt still have a right to counsel.
S.C. high court extends statutory right to counsel to private TPR cases
The SC Supreme Court held that S.C. Code § 63–7–2560 does not distinguish between public and private termination cases, so it applies to both.
Indiana court allows appointment in small claims case
Indiana Court of Appeals said a trial court's appointment of counsel in small claims case was not improper.
Tennessee Bar Civil Right to Counsel Event Gets AP Coverage
The AP covered a civil right to counsel event by the TN Bar and Legal Aid of West TN held on Friday, Nov. 22.
NY Chief Judge calls for counsel in all foreclosure cases
NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has said he wants there to be an attorney in every foreclosure case in the state.
