The order, signed by Biden on Tuesday, directs the Department of Justice to devise a plan for expanding access not just to public defenders but to the civil court system as well, where legal representation is not guaranteed by the government.
It’s an issue advocates say is timely since the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could lead to a surge in tenants and homeowners fighting evictions and foreclosures, as well as those pushing for medical assistance.
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They also see it as an opening for the Biden administration to require access to an attorney in immigration courts a civil court setting where migrants can face life-altering outcomes like deportation.
Oregon Senate votes to reinstate foreclosure moratorium
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Oregon Senate votes to reinstate foreclosure moratorium
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A shadow falls on renters in distress. (© FlaglerLive)
In a decision that could upend the residential rental market nationwide, a U.S. District Court judge ruled Wednesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention exceeded its powers when it stopped evictions last fall.
The U.S. Justice Department quickly announced it would appeal the ruling, and the judge agreed to temporarily leave the eviction moratorium in place while both sides file arguments.
The ruling did not address state or local ordinances, many of which have also temporarily stopped renters from being tossed out of their homes for nonpayment. Some of those orders already have expired.