Right to counsel

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Legislation, Sterilization

Patients have a right to counsel at any proceeding relating to subjecting a patient to sterilization.  N. J. Stat. Ann. § 30:4-24.2(d)(2). The statute adds that if a patient cannot afford counsel, the court shall appoint an attorney not less than 10 days before the hearing, and the appointed attorney shall be entitled to a reasonable fee to be determined by the court and paid by the county from which the patient was admitted.

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no