When we think about people's civil rights we often don't think of people in poverty- or just not making enough to pay a lawyer, as a people group whose civil rights need to be represented and preserved. 

Now, for the first time, California has granted the right to an attorney to represent any Californian who can't pay for a lawyer in civil affairs to have a state paid attorney represent them in court. 

This really hits home with me, because my husband and I protested an eviction notice given to us by our landlord within 24 hours after we gave him a list of needed repairs, including a mold problem that was seriously affecting our daughter's health.  The judge did not even look at our evidence of consider our case.  He didn't even let us have one minute to speak.  He said "I'm not going to hear your case." and sided with the landlord. 

In California your landlord can evict you for no reason at all.  Plus people are losing their homes right left and center.  And their children as well.  I am thrilled to know that poor people will now be able to have lawyers to represent them in civil cases. 

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-civil-gideon17-2009oct17

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