Court Issues and Victims' Rights

Court Issues and Victims’ Rights
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Court administrators in different states recognize the importance of creating and improving procedures for identifying the need for language assistance to address the language barrier issues. They use demographic information, data collection and analysis protocols to assist them in predicting potential language needs. The information obtained is helpful in anticipating the language assistance needs. It is vital in planning efforts such as recruitment and training of interpreters and bilingual staff that also help in the development of translated materials (National Center for State Courts, 2013).
Court administrators also engage in creative strategies to attract interpreters and bilingual specialists. They engage in public outreach campaigns and partnerships to tap students and language professionals in the court interpretation profession. They continuously develop relationships with language departments in institutions of higher learning and language professionals in other organizations such as hospitals, schools and community agencies (National Center for State Courts, 2013).
By 2010, 40 states were members in a consortium that draws upon common standards in identifying proficient interpreters. The Consortium for Language Access in the Courts allows interpreters to be trained, tested and acquired certification and appropriate accreditation. Court administrators are thus able to access skilled interpreters that meet the constitutional requirements for standardized interpretation that matches the Supreme Court decisions. It also assists administrators in avoiding litigation associated with non-compliance with constitutional standards (Edoo, Fournier-Ruggles, Mattia, Matulewicz, & Rogers, 2010).
Court administrators also have access to a centralized database that they use in locating, hiring, scheduling and paying court interpreters. This ensures that they maintain efficiency in providing quality court interpreters. Creating interpreter “pools” is an effective strategy that improves availability of qualified interpreters by ensuring that interpreters are accessible across jurisdictions. Sharing interpreter resources, joint testing and administration assists states in becoming more effective in accessing interpreters. It particularly works for specifi...