On August 17, 2010 the US Department of Justice issued a letter to state courts reiterating the importance of language access in all legal proceedings.  Courts are obligated to provide free oral interpretation, written translation and other language services to people who are limited English proficient (LEP).

“Justice requires that all individuals have meaningful access to the critical services provided by the nation’s state court systems, regardless of the individual’s English language skills,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  “As we mark the 10^thanniversary of the issuance of Executive Order 13166 this month, it is especially appropriate to remember our shared responsibility to reduce persistent language barriers in court proceedings and services that are of such importance to the daily lives of parties, victims, witnesses and the public.”

To read the full release, click here.