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.
Bills on civil right to counsel dominate 2016 legislative sessions
Over two dozen bills that would establish or expand rights to counsel in civil cases have been filed in state legislatures across the country.
CT Chief Justice, State Bar President cite importance of civil right to counsel
The incoming CT State Bar President and the CT Supreme Court Chief Justice say a civil right to counsel must be examined.
NY extends right to counsel to non-respondent parents
A 2015 bill extended the right to counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings to non-respondent parents who appear in court.
NCCRC participates in DOJ/White House meeting on debtor’s prison
The NCCRC joined a December meeting convened by the Department of Justice and the White House about the rise of debtor's prisons.
Nat’l Center for State Courts: 3/4 of civil cases have one unrepresented party
National Center for State Courts report reveals that at least three-quarters of all civil cases involve at least one pro se party.
NH restores, protects right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect proceedings
In 2013, the legislature restored the right to counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases, and the NH Supreme Court has acted to protect it.
Florida SCT: right to counsel in termination proceedings survived SCOTUS opinion
The Florida Supreme Court upheld the due process right to counsel for indigent parents in termination proceedings, rejecting SCOTUS precedent.
Discretionary appointment of counsel for certain criminal defendants
A public defender in a criminal case may represent the criminal defendant in a related forfeiture proceeding.
Texas decriminalizes truancy, adds appointment of counsel provision
In 2015, Texas decriminalized truancy, prevented initial incarceration, and permitted the court to appoint counsel for the child.
MA Supreme Court: Parents have a right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases
The MA high court has said that the constitutional right to counsel applies to abuse/neglect cases.
ABA: all unaccompanied minors should get counsel
ABA Resolution 113 calls for the appointment of counsel for unaccompanied minors in all immigration proceedings.
Fed judge laments lack of right to counsel, recuses himself for helping pro se litigant
A federal judge felt he had to recuse himself after helping a pro se litigant, and pointed to the lack of a right to counsel as the problem.
