Around the country, state and local bar associations, access to justice commissions, and local advocacy groups are working to expand the right to counsel in their jurisdictions. The passage of three statutes in the past three years is tangible evidence of their efforts. Many civil right to...

In October 2009, California enacted the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, setting up pilot programs to provide representation in civil cases concerning basic human needs. The Act’s powerful introductory language includes the statement that the “significant social and governmental costs of...