Mock Trial Event Demonstrates the Value of a Tenants' Right to Counsel

Attorney Paula Green discussing the importance of legal representation at the Right to Counsel Learn-In . Photo by Blythe Spindler-Richardson.

This past Saturday, STUN partnered with other community organizations to host a powerful educational event at National Avenue Christian Church demonstrating the value of a tenants' Right to Counsel. Implementing a Right to Counsel, which is one of STUN's top policy goals, would ensure any tenant facing eviction has access to legal representation. Paula Green, senior attorney with Legal Services of Southern Missouri, presented a number of mock trial scenes showing how different scenarios can play out with and without the presence of an attorney representing the tenant.

The event, officially titled Eviction Court: A Right to Counsel Community Learn-In, was hosted by the Springfield Right to Counsel Coalition, consisting of STUN, LSSM, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, and Empower Missouri. Green presented four scenarios based on situations she has encountered in her actual legal career. In two of the scenes, landlords gave hearsay evidence to justify evictions. In the third, a tenant attempted to show that her rental property, and in the fourth, a tenant was challenged to prove that she was not liable for unpaid rent because she left to escape domestic violence. In each scenario, the tenants were unable to submit key testimony or raise crucial objections when acting on their own behalf, but were saved from unfair judgements when represented by an attorney with the necessary knowledge and experience.

If the difference seems stark, that's because it is. In Springfield eviction cases, 70% of landlords have legal representation, as opposed to only 10% of tenants. Without skilled opposition, the landlord's attorneys can easily steamroll the proceedings. Even if a judge disagrees with such tactics, they are not allowed to intervene for reasons of impartiality. "Objections not raised are waived," Green reminded the audience - a sobering observation that also perfectly sums up why rights need to be fought for in general.

If you'd like to make sure your objections aren't waived, there are a lot of ways to add your support to the Right to Counsel efforts! Contact City Council to voice your support, or spread the word to your friends and neighbors, or join us at future RTC events to help us make some noise! Massive thanks to Paula Green and all of our partners in this endeavor!