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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
