Philly Bar Assoc. Will Push Civil Gideon In 2016

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, "Gaetan Alfano will make his inaugural address as chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association on Tuesday. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer"

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “Gaetan Alfano will make his inaugural address as chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association on Tuesday. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer”

The incoming chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, in his initial address to members, says he will push for “civil Gideon” legislation in 2016. The move would be one a high-profile boost to the idea of providing free court-appointed legal representation to poor defendants facing certain civil matters, like home evictions or child custody issues. The term is taken from the famous 1963 decision, Gideon v. Wainwright, that established that people accused of crimes must have an attorney.

Chancellor Gaetan Alfano says the civil Gideon move will increase the Bar Association’s profile and illustrate relevancy to its membership, which has dropped in recent years.