A tool for working with Court Interpreters
The decision to appoint an interpreter is a very important task for judicial officers. There is a need for a higher degree of coordination and uniformity regarding interpretation in courtrooms. Therefore, judicial officers must be provided with a uniform guide regarding working with court interpreters during court proceedings.
The Division of State Court Administration has developed a bench card for judicial officers to reference while presiding in court proceedings. The bench card titled “Working with Interpreters” provides a concise step-by-step guide for judicial officers to reference when appointing court interpreters.
It gives information about evaluating the need for a court interpreter, information about the Language Line service, and the criteria for qualifying an interpreter if a certified interpreter is not available. In addition, the bench card provides the oath that all judicial officers must administer on the record to the interpreter.
The State of Indiana provides court services to a wide range of people, including those who speak limited or no English and those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Limited English proficiency (LEP) means the inability to adequately understand or communicate effectively in English because of where a person was born or because of a disability. These LEP individuals most likely will request a court interpreter in their native language to provide interpreting services during court proceedings.
Under Federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d, and Indiana statutory law, case law, and Supreme Court rules, Indiana courts are required to provide qualified foreign-language interpreters to participants in court proceedings who are LEP. They must provide these services when necessary to ensure effective communication by and with LEP participants.
LEP participants can include litigants, witnesses, and spectators. Court proceedings include all court services, programs, and activities.
Copies of the bench card are being distributed to trial judges across the state.