Cvili Gideon: CA Access Commission Releases Model Statute

A task force of the California Commission on Access to Justice recently released a model statute providing for a right to counsel in civil cases for low-income people who are unable to afford an attorney. The task force included members from the academic, not-for-profit, bar association, and public defender communities.

The model statute addresses many of the complicated issues associated with developing a right to counsel, including the scope of the right, who would be eligible to receive counsel, and the manner in which services would be administered and delivered. The statute provides for differing levels of publicly funded services depending on the case.

According to the statute, possible types of counsel could include "full legal representation, limited legal representation, non-lawyer representation, legal advice, legal assistance, self-help assistance, or other advice or assistance as needed for the person [or group] to enjoy fair and equal access to justice ...."

To read the model statute, see: <http://www.brennancenter.org/dynamic/subpages/download_file_38656.pdf>.
Based on original reporting by Brennan Center staff.