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.
Minnesota Supreme Court essay contest focuses on civil right to counsel
The Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society's 2014 essay contest for high school students was about civil right to counsel.
MA Report discusses those turned away for legal aid, and benefits of counsel
The BBA Task Force to Expand Civil Legal Aid's report discusses how many eligible clients are turned away and the economic benefits of counsel.
State supreme court justices talk civil right to counsel
At the LSC 40th Anniversary event, several state supreme court justices spoke favorably about the right to counsel in civil cases.
GA high court says some civil contempt cases might require counsel
In response to a class action, the Supreme Court of Georgia said there might be a right to counsel in some child support civil contempt cases.
Lack of right to counsel affects POC communities, says treaty body
The international body that enforces the CERD treaty urged the U.S. to address the impact of a lack of a right to counsel on people of color.
NJ appellate court extends right to counsel to civil contempt review proceedings
A New Jersey court found a right to appointed counsel in a hearing on whether a child support obligee should remain in prison for contempt.
Report finds right to counsel in immigration would pay for itself
A report commissioned by the NYC Bar finds that an immigration right to counsel would pay for itself.
PA urged to take steps towards a civil right to counsel
A new report issued by the Civil Legal Justice Coalition to the PA State Senate Judiciary Committee urges PA to pursue a civil right to counsel.
U.N. Human Rights Committee urges U.S. to provide counsel for DV, immigration
The U.N. Human Rights Committee gave recommendations to the U.S. as to the ICCPR treaty, and urged the provision of counsel in some cases.
New York City holds hearings on providing counsel to immigrants
The New York City Council's Committee on Immigration held public hearings on different models for providing counsel in immigration cases.
Illinois legislation creates civil right to counsel pilots project
The “Access to Justice Act”, enacted in 2013, creates a set of statewide pilot projects for the provision of counsel in civil cases.
Illinois legislation creates 5-year civil right to counsel pilots project
The 2013 “Access to Justice Act” creates a set of statewide pilot projects (likely to focus on housing) on providing counsel in civil cases.
