Thinking About a Civil Right to Counsel Since 1923

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The notion of a right to counsel in civil cases is sometimes regarded as novel, or a curiosity. However, scholars have long promoted the idea in various forms—at least since 1923 and the publication of a Harvard Law Review article on the topic. Poverty lawyers who advocate a civil right to counsel have a wealth of analysis for framing their arguments.

By Paul Marvy From July-August 2006