This editorial in the New York Times responds to the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision finding an indigent parent does not automatically have a right to a court-appointed lawyer in child support collection cases and that procedural safeguards could suffice. It expresses the opinion that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not go far enough in ensuring fairness since, in civil contempt proceedings, a court may not impose punishment if it is clear that the individual is unable to comply with the order, but without a lawyer, it is very hard for defendants to show that they cannot comply.
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