Interpreter Services
Recognizing the need for assistance in the area of equal access in Missouri trial courts, the Access to Justice Program provides the following services to the courts.
Foreign Language Court Interpreters
By law, courts shall appoint a qualified foreign language interpreter in all legal proceedings in which a non-English speaking person is a party or witness (Section 476.803.1 RSMo). Courts are encouraged to use certified interpreters who are impartial and unbiased, and who will render a complete and accurate interpretation of the proceedings. Certification is offered in 11 languages.
Accommodating a Person with a Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive Civil Rights Law for people with disabilities. The United States Department of Justice enforces the requirements of Title II addressing programs, services and activities of State and Local Government.
Missouri’s courts strive to make the courts' programs and services accessible to all. The Access to Justice Program assists courts in providing full community access to programs in existing facilities and provides guidance in planning new construction and renovations. The Program also provides guidance to the courts in providing auxiliary aids and services for persons requesting an accommodation for their disability.
By statute, courts shall provide, based on expressed needs, auxiliary aids or services to interpret any proceeding for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing (Section 476.753, RSMo). This includes a person who is a party, juror, witness, spectator, or a juvenile whose parent, guardian or foster parent is deaf or hard of hearing if the juvenile is brought to any court proceeding. Qualified interpreters are only those licensed and certified in accordance with Code of State Regulations (number 5 CSR 100-200.170).
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