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2003 SESSION

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SB 825 Appointment of lawyers in juvenile court.

Introduced by: Henry L. Marsh III | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Appointment of lawyers in juvenile court. Provides that when the juvenile and domestic relations district court deems it necessary, the court may appoint both counsel and a guardian ad litem for a party. This bill reflects what historically has been the practice in juvenile courts. An Attorney General's Opinion issued on July 16, 2002, interpreted the statute as allowing a party a right to representation either by a guardian ad litem or by counsel in particular categories of cases and as not conferring upon the court the discretionary authority to appoint either counsel or guardian ad litem in addition to the specified type of appointment. This bill makes it clear that the court has the discretionary authority to appoint both when necessary. The bill is a recommendation of the Committee on District Courts.


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