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.
Despite strong dissent, NJ Supreme Court avoids ruling on RTC in DV cases
The New Jersey Supreme Court declined to review a decision by the NJ Court of Appeals regarding the right to counsel in DV cases.
Report: Davidson County TN tenant rep program delivering benefits to tenants
A 2023 report found that Davidson County's tenant representation program was delivering significant financial and other benefits to tenants.
MD high court reaffirms right to counsel in civil contempt cases
The Court of Appeals of Maryland has indirectly reaffirmed that people facing incarceration for civil contempt still have a right to counsel.
S.C. high court extends statutory right to counsel to private TPR cases
The SC Supreme Court held that S.C. Code § 63–7–2560 does not distinguish between public and private termination cases, so it applies to both.
Indiana court allows appointment in small claims case
Indiana Court of Appeals said a trial court's appointment of counsel in small claims case was not improper.
Pennsylvania hearings on civil legal aid discuss right to counsel
The PA Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings in 2013 about the civil legal justice gap, and many people testified about a right to counsel.
Tennessee Bar Civil Right to Counsel Event Gets AP Coverage
The AP covered a civil right to counsel event by the TN Bar and Legal Aid of West TN held on Friday, Nov. 22.
NY Chief Judge calls for counsel in all foreclosure cases
NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman has said he wants there to be an attorney in every foreclosure case in the state.
Detainees with mental disabilities have right to assistance, says federal court; deportees may return
A federal district court held that detainees with mental disabilities have the right to assistance in their immigration removal cases.
NY civil legal aid hearings invoke right to counsel
At hearings convened by NY Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, advocates testified about the justice gap and civil right to counsel.
Kansas Supreme Court recognizes right to counsel in sex offender commitment cases
The Kansas Supreme Court has said there is a right to counsel in sexually violent predator commitment proceedings.
Constitution requires counsel for parents in adoptions, MA high court rules
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found a state due process right to counsel for indigent parents in private adoption cases.
