Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Tennessee

lack of rights still! ! ! ! ! !

I do not know how an attorney who cannot read ever got into a law firm in Mo. or any other state. It was stated in my message that my situation IS CIVIL. The whole thing started with an unconstitutional procedure in criminal court, but that is not what I had to end up defending myself against. I went to Appellate Court BY MYSELF BECAUSE I cannot afford a lawyer, and the Circuit Court knows that, but switched the prosecution to civil to avoid providing me with an attorney. This situation is much more complicated than just this, but it would take twenty pages justbto prove that my civil rights are being trod upon. Where did Rosa Parks get her defense?????


Asked on 1/29/02, 4:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: lack of rights still! ! ! ! ! !

There is no right to a private attorney in a civil matter unless that is a matter for civil commitment.

Rosa Parks was charged with a criminal act, not a civil case, and got her defense from a public defender.

Perhaps you could try your local legal aid society or ask the Court to appoint pro bono counsel for you.

Also, if you are at the Appellate court, that means the circuit court has already rendered a judgment adverse to you or you would not be there. Civil Appeals are difficult and very time consuming and technical. They are the kind of thing that an average attorney will bill for by the hour. If you are truly without means you can contact your State Bar and ask if they have any pro bono programs to assist people like you.

Another thought is to contact a local law school and see if they have a "civil clinic" where they assist people pro bono.

In spite of my apparent inability to read, I wish you the best of luck with this matter.

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Answered on 1/29/02, 4:36 pm


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