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Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2020

USA116th CongressHR-6037| House 
| Updated: 2/28/2020
John P. Sarbanes

John P. Sarbanes

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (5)
Joseph P. Kennedy (Democratic)Karen Bass (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2020 This bill requires a court to consider specified factors when determining whether to provide counsel for a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. In addition, the bill authorizes a court to appoint, rather than merely request, counsel for such a litigant. Under current law, a court may request counsel to represent a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. The bill instead authorizes the court to appoint counsel upon request by the litigant. A court must inform civil litigants appearing without counsel of their right to make such a request. In considering whether to grant a civil litigant's request for counsel, a court generally must consider factors such as the complexity of the case, any mental or physical limitations faced by the litigant, and whether any opposing party is represented by counsel. The court may also appoint counsel for limited purposes, including for the purpose of advising the court as to whether a full appointment is warranted. The bill also eliminates the requirement for a court to dismiss a civil litigant's case if the litigant's allegation of poverty is untrue.
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Timeline
Feb 28, 2020
Introduced in House
Feb 28, 2020
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 28, 2020
    Introduced in House


  • February 28, 2020
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Law

Civil actions and liabilityDue process and equal protectionJudicial procedure and administrationLawyers and legal services

Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2020

USA116th CongressHR-6037| House 
| Updated: 2/28/2020
Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2020 This bill requires a court to consider specified factors when determining whether to provide counsel for a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. In addition, the bill authorizes a court to appoint, rather than merely request, counsel for such a litigant. Under current law, a court may request counsel to represent a civil litigant who cannot afford counsel. The bill instead authorizes the court to appoint counsel upon request by the litigant. A court must inform civil litigants appearing without counsel of their right to make such a request. In considering whether to grant a civil litigant's request for counsel, a court generally must consider factors such as the complexity of the case, any mental or physical limitations faced by the litigant, and whether any opposing party is represented by counsel. The court may also appoint counsel for limited purposes, including for the purpose of advising the court as to whether a full appointment is warranted. The bill also eliminates the requirement for a court to dismiss a civil litigant's case if the litigant's allegation of poverty is untrue.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Feb 28, 2020
Introduced in House
Feb 28, 2020
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 28, 2020
    Introduced in House


  • February 28, 2020
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
John P. Sarbanes

John P. Sarbanes

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (5)
Joseph P. Kennedy (Democratic)Karen Bass (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Law

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Civil actions and liabilityDue process and equal protectionJudicial procedure and administrationLawyers and legal services