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.
KY appeals court: Denial of counsel for noncustodial parent was reversible error
The Kentucky Court of Appeals held that the failure to appoint counsel in a dependency proceeding required reversal of the termination order.
Right to counsel but no such proceeding
Though a minor seeking to bypass the parental consent requirements for an abortion has the right to counsel, abortion is effectively banned.
All about New Orleans’ Tenant Right to Counsel
In May 2022, the New Orleans City Council enacted an ordinance to provide a right to counsel for all tenants facing eviction.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A 2022 law changed appointment of counsel for birth parents in adoption cases from mandatory to discretionary.
Discretionary appointment under “exceptional circumstances”
In 2022, the Indiana Supreme Court found that courts may appoint counsel for individuals whose property is subject to forfeiture.
Colorado appellate court recognizes right to counsel in contempt cases post-Turner
The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that indigent parents in child support contempt cases pursued by the government have a right to counsel.
New NCCRC/CityHealth report highlights eviction right to counsel; webinar in Sept
A report by the NCCRC, CityHealth, and Enterprise Community Partners covers housing policies advancing health equity, such as right to counsel.
Michigan court: effective assistance of counsel needed for civil commitments
A Michigan Court of Appeals held that respondents in Michigan civil commitment proceedings are entitled to effective assistance of counsel.
Illinois creates immigration right to counsel task force
An enacted 2022 bill creates a task force to study implementation of an immigration right to counsel, with a report due in 2023.
ACLU/NCCRC report flags eviction’s harms, RTC’s promise
A joint report by the ACLU and NCCRC reviews the data on the widepsread consequences of evictions and right to counsel's impact on the problem.
PA report urges statewide eviction right to counsel
A report from the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center urges the state to fund a right to counsel for tenants statewide.
