California just enacted a pilot program for a "civil Gideon" right -- i.e., taxpayer supported lawyers who represent poor litigants in civil matters that most affect their lives (evictions, child custody disputes, domestic violence matters, etc.) Although it's just a pilot program, and is limited to California, this has the potential to grow enormously over the years. Proponents of the program have been patiently waiting and steadily planning for this day. What do you think, readers? To what extent, if any, should states and the federal government pay for legal services for the poor in civil matters?