# What can judges do if sovcits can afford counsel, but are unable to retain anyone?

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-judges-do-if-sovcits-can-afford-counsel-but-are-unable-to-retain-anyone/1019013
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 30, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-judges-do-if-sovcits-can-afford-counsel-but-are-unable-to-retain-anyone/1019013 "2025-05-30T18:24:23Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 22

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### Author: ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)
#### Post date: [June 1, 2025, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-judges-do-if-sovcits-can-afford-counsel-but-are-unable-to-retain-anyone/1019013/22 "2025-06-01T01:55:07Z")

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Found the thread on [Garza v Idaho](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissent-in-garza-v-idaho-2019/1011618). Thomas penned the dissent.

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