A special task force in Maryland has embarked on a year-long study to assess the possibility of establishing a right to legal counsel for residents involved in specific civil disputes. The Task Force to Study Implementing a Civil Right to Counsel in Maryland comprises twelve appointed members who will explore whether low-income individuals should have access to legal representation at public expense in cases concerning essential human needs, such as shelter, sustenance, safety, health, or child custody.
The initiative was established by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley last spring. The task force is set to operate until September 30, 2014, when it will present its findings and recommendations.
The task force includes appointees from the Senate of Maryland, House of Delegates, Maryland Judiciary, and the Governor's office. It is chaired by former State Senator and Anne Arundel County Executive Robert Neall. The Judiciary’s Maryland Access to Justice Commission provides staff support.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera commented on the initiative: “The Judiciary continually strives to improve access to equitable and timely justice for all Marylanders. This task force will explore whether a civil right to counsel is part of that access and will thoroughly and impartially investigate both the concept and the practical implications. We look forward to the report.”
The group will analyze reported needs against current legal aid resources and consider how implementing a right to civil counsel could be realized and funded. The evaluation includes assessing if low-income residents should have guaranteed legal representation in civil cases impacting their basic human needs. Additionally, they will review the existing legal services delivery system and estimate costs versus benefits for expanding this right.
Further details can be found on the Maryland Access to Justice Commission website.
Notices regarding meetings of the Task Force will be posted online with information about participation methods for teleconferences or videoconferences. Special accommodations can be requested through Pamela Ortiz at the Maryland Access to Justice Commission.