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.
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.
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.
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.
Lakewood Ohio considering tenant right to counsel
An ordinance introduced in Lakewood Ohio aims to make the city the third in Ohio to provide a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
New York bill would provide statewide right to counsel for tenants
Building off of NYCs success, a new bill would guarantee counsel for low-income tenants across New York State in a variety of situations.
MA high court avoids question of right to counsel in DV cases
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts declined to answer whether indigent defendants are entitled to counsel in protection order cases.
California high court working group calls for tenant right to counsel
A report by a working group created by the Supreme Court of California Chief Justice calls for a statewide tenant right to counsel.
NCCRC recognizes the eviction right to counsel movement’s movers and shakers
In January 2022, We celebrated the eviction right to counsel movement and its leaders.
MD high court: Right to counsel for patients facing forced medication
The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that involuntarily committed patients objecting to medication have a right to counsel.
