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 Jersey launches eviction right to counsel pilot
New Jersey will be providing counsel to all tenants facing eviction in 3 pilot sites.
Legal Services Corp. President calls for eviction right to counsel
An opinion piece in the Houston Chronicle by the Legal Services Corporation President calls for immediate passage of an eviction right ocounsel.
5th Circuit: appointment of counsel portion of ICWA is constitutional
The Fifth Circuit upheld the portion of the Indian Child Welfare Act relating to appointment of counsel for parents.
Policy brief makes case for universal representation in immigration
A policy brief by the Vera Institute shares compelling statistics justifying the creation of a universal representation program for immigrants.
Webinar series featured organizing around eviction right to counsel
A webinar series hosted by the NCCRC and the Right to Counsel Coalition of NYC featured organizing efforts around right to counsel.
Indiana considering tenant right to counsel for Marion County
A pending bill would guarantee counsel for tenants facing eviction in Marion County Small Claims Court.
Maryland AG Task Force recommends RTC for evictions
The Maryand Attorney General's Access to Justice Task Force released a report recommending a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Supreme Court of Ohio recognizes right to counsel in adoption cases
The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that indigent parents in adoption cases have a right to counsel under the Equal Protection Clause.
No such proceeding
Though there is a right to counsel in "sexual psychopath" hearings related to registration requirements, the Act has been held unconstitutional.
Federal bills would fund state/local attorneys for tenants
Bills introduced in the House and Senate would provide federal funding for cities and state to provide counsel for tenants facing eviction.
MD court: Threat of incarceration makes right to counsel attach
A Maryland appellate court held that statutory law entitles civil contempt defendants to counsel when they are threatened with incarceration.
Report finds racial disparity in evictions, calls for right to counsel
A report finds the majority of MA evictions suspended during COVID-19 are in communities of color, and calls for a right to counsel.
