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.
All about California’s Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel projects
In 2009, California enacted the Shriver Civil Counsel Act to create right to counsel pilots, and in 2016 they were made permanent projects.
Maryland AG creates access to justice task force, flags right to counsel
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced the creation of an access to justice task force and that right to counsel would be considered.
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.
About the right to counsel in quarantine/isolation cases
The NCCRC status map now includes full information about the right to counsel when subject to quarantine or isolation.
PA appellate court: right to counsel attaches where incarceration is threatened
A PA appellate court broadly held that the right to counsel attaches when incarceration is threatened in civil matters.
DC court extends child’s right to counsel
The D.C. Court of Appeals held delinquent children have a right to counsel in proceedings run by the Dept' of Youth Rehabilitation Services.
Delinquency right to counsel extends to related DYRS matters
The D.C. Ct. of Appeals held that kids' RTC in delinquency matters applies where the child is in the custody of Dep't of Youth Rehab. Services.
Right to counsel
There is an arguable right to appointed counsel in sterilization proceedings.
Federal stimulus/budget bill has money for tenant representation
The relief/omnibus bill passed by Congress in December 2020 has several pots of money for tenant representation.
PRIORITY BILL: counsel in DV cases
Two bills would a create legislative task force to study appointment of counsel for DV victims.
PRIORITY BILL: counsel in guardianship cases
A proposed bill would require appointment of counsel for the protected person in guardianship cases, rather than it being discretionary.
AAAS highlights right to counsel in civil justice report
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report highlighting efforts to expand the right to counsel in civil cases.