Language Services Section
You may have the right to a court-appointed interpreter.
If one is not provided, call
1.888.317.3177
Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Roster interpreters are available telephonically and via video to assist courts.
Language Access Plan (PDF | Word)
The Language Services Section provides technical assistance, training, resources and policy recommendations to improve equal access to courts in cases involving limited English proficient, deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Advisory Committee on Language Services
Technical assistance is provided through consultation with local courts and dissemination of publications related to language access. The section provides technical services through the administration of testing, certification and credentialing of court interpreters. Training is offered to court staff, judges, magistrates, attorneys and other legal professionals on matters related to language access. Specialized training is offered to interpreters preparing for certification and credentialing. The section also develops resources to ensure consistency in the use of language services throughout the state.
- Appointment & Credentialing of Foreign Language Interpreters (2022)
- Language Services in Case or Court Function and Ancillary Court Services (2022)
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) in Ohio Courts (2022)
- Working With Interpreters for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons in the Courts (2022)
- Working With Telephonic Interpretation Services in Courts (2022)
- NCSC – National Center for State Courts: Court Interpretation
- NAJIT – The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
- RID – Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (How to Become an Interpreter)
- ATA – American Translators Association
- FCICE – Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination Program
- CCIO – Community & Court Interpreters of the Ohio Valley
- OCRID – Ohio Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- CA Court System Professional Ethics and the Role of the Court Interpreter
- National Center for Interpretation
- Language Access Plan (PDF | Word)
- Language Access in State Courts
- Interpreters in the Judicial System: A Handbook for Ohio Judges
- "Here Are Your Right Hands: Exploring Interpreter Qualifications" (University of Dayton Law Review)
- Superintendence Rules and Code of Professional Conduct for Court Interpreters and Translators Quick Reference Guide
- Translated Forms
In order to comply with the prohibition against national origin discrimination in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et. seq., the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 3789d(c), and 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subparts C and D, recipients of federal funds must provide meaningful access to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974). The U.S. Department of Justice advises that practices, such as charging for interpretation and translation services or seeking recoupment for those costs, significantly impair, restrict, or preclude the participation of LEP individuals in the judicial system and are inconsistent with recipients’ Title VI obligations. For more information, please refer to Guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice to state court justices and administrators' Letter from Assistant Attorney of the Civil Rights Division to Chief Justices and State Court Administrators (Aug. 16, 2010); Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 67 Fed. Reg. 41455 (June 18, 2002).
Contact Information
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street, 6th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3431
Manager:
Bruno G. Romero
614.387.9403
Language Services Program Coordinator:
Quincella Harrison
614.387.9404