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.
The NCCRC’s statement on the murder of George Floyd and the protests
A statement from the NCCRC regarding the murder of George Floyd, the protests, and the connection to housing justice.
Report: Baltimore/MD would save $36 million w/tenant right to counsel
A report by a financial analysis company concludes Baltimore and Maryland would save a combined $36 million with a right to counsel for tenants.
Civil right to counsel resolution introduced in Congress
U.S. House Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA) and 14 cosponsors introduced a resolution to provide a right to counsel in civil cases.
Michigan report calls for eviction right to counsel
A Michigan report outlines the state's high eviction filing rate as well as the representational imbalance between tenants and landlords.
Delaware report flags low tenant rep rate, need for counsel
A University of Delaware report flags the low rate of tenant representation and the small dollars involved in some eviction actions.
Right to Counsel
There is a right to counsel for a person diagnosed as "affected with a communicable disease" who has been detained and petitions for discharge.
PA Superior Court: right to appointed counsel where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for failure to pay cost
The PA Superior Court held that counsel must be appointed where there is a likelihood of imprisonment for contempt over failure to pay a cost.
Bill would amend standards for appointing civil counsel in federal court
New federal legislation would address flaws in the statute governing discretionary appointment of counsel in federal civil cases.
More federal bills would fund cities/states pursuing right to counsel
Bills filed in the U.S. House and Senate would fund cities/states expanding eviction defense and prioritize those with a right to counsel.
ICWA, right to counsel apply to private guardianships, says Nebraska high court
The Supreme Court of Nebraska held= the Indian Child Welfare Act and its right to counsel provisions appliy to private guardianship disputes.
Webinar tackles funding and race issues in eviction right to counsel
A Shriver Center webinar tackled the question of the race equity implications of an eviction right to counsel, as well as funding questions.
NYC first jurisdiction with universal representation for immigrants
New York is providing universal access to counsel for detained immigrants.
