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.
NCCRC Coordinator delivers keynote speech in Minnesota
NCCRC Coordinator John Pollock delivered a keynote speech on right to counsel to an audience of 400 people in Minnesota in November.
Civil Rights Commission: Tennessee forfeiture proceedings should include counsel
A civil rights report critiques Tennessee's civil forfeiture practices for not providing a right to counsel for property owners.
Philadelphia divorce study finds representation makes big difference
A study found that those who received full representation in divorce cases were significantly more successful in completing their divorces.
Another report calls for right to counsel in fees/fines cases
A report from Alabama Appleseed urges the state to provide counsel at all postconviction proceedings related to court debt.
NH Supreme Court extends right to counsel to certain debt collection cases
The right to counsel extends to cases where the State seeks to collect appointed counsel fees, the NH Supreme Court ruled.
Wisconsin advocates petition WI Supreme Court for right to counsel rules
WI advocates have filed two petitions asking the WI Supreme Court to establish civil right to counsel rules and pilot projects.
Report details dramatic effect of having counsel in Seattle evictions
A new report by the Seattle Women's Commission has some powerful stats on how much a lawyer makes a difference in eviction cases.
Complaints allege CA court violating Americans with Disabilities Act
Complaints filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court allege violations of the ADA where counsel is not appointed in certain guardianships.
ABA guidelines call for right to counsel in fees/fines cases
The American Bar Association has adopted a set of principles on how fees/fines should be collected, and one advocates for a right to counsel.
Wyo. Supreme Court upholds parents’ right to counsel
The Supreme Court of Wyoming held parents are entitled to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect cases even when not the subject of allegations.
Florida court: adoption agencies can’t challenge parents’ right to counsel
A Florida Court of Appeals held that an adoption agency could not challenge the appointment of counsel for a parent in an adoption case.
Fed legislation would require immigration counsel for children, vulnerable adults
A federal bill would require counsel for unaccompanied minors and vulnerable adults in immigration proceedings.
