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interpreters
court interpreters
Interpreters fulfill a critical role within our court system. Court-provided interpreters ensure that all litigants are afforded their constitutional rights of due process and equal protection under the law regardless of their ability to hear, understand or speak the English language. Additionally, interpreters enable court proceedings to function in an effective and efficient manner.
our commitment
The 15th Judicial District Court is committed to ensuring meaningful language access for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. A qualified interpreter can be provided during all court proceedings for parties, witnesses, victims and parents or legal guardians of a juvenile who is subject to a court proceeding.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The 15th Judicial District Court is committed to ensuring effective communication for deaf individuals who participate in court proceedings by providing auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters. Participants may include parties, witnesses, jurors, spectators, victims, attorneys and parents or legal guardians of a juvenile who is subject to a court proceeding.
Additionally, interpreting services can be provided for LEP and deaf individuals outside the courtroom for activities or services that are operated or managed by the Court. Some examples include the Clerk’s Office, Self Help Center and the Court Services Office (probation, domestic mediation, programs and classes).
The Court does not provide interpreting services for activities or services obtained through a private provider. This may include court-ordered classes, assessments, interviews, drug screens, and treatment or therapy sessions.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The 15th Judicial District Court is committed to ensuring effective communication for deaf individuals who participate in court proceedings by providing auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters. Participants may include parties, witnesses, jurors, spectators, victims, attorneys and parents or legal guardians of a juvenile who is subject to a court proceeding.
Additionally, interpreting services can be provided for LEP and deaf individuals outside the courtroom for activities or services that are operated or managed by the Court. Some examples include the Clerk’s Office, Self Help Center and the Court Services Office (probation, domestic mediation, programs and classes).
The Court does not provide interpreting services for activities or services obtained through a private provider. This may include court-ordered classes, assessments, interviews, drug screens, and treatment or therapy sessions.
right to an interpreter
Pursuant to Kansas law, a qualified interpreter shall be appointed in many instances for persons whose primary language is one other than English, or who is deaf or hard of hearing. K.S.A. 75-4351
Although the United States Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to an interpreter, the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments have traditionally formed the foundation for asserting a defendant’s right to an interpreter.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires agencies receiving federal funds to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access for Limited English proficient (LEP) persons.
Title II of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires local and state courts to provide qualified sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Although the United States Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to an interpreter, the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments have traditionally formed the foundation for asserting a defendant’s right to an interpreter.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires agencies receiving federal funds to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access for Limited English proficient (LEP) persons.
Title II of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires local and state courts to provide qualified sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Attorney - Client Conferences
In criminal cases, an interpreter can be provided for defendants to be able to effectively communicate with their attorneys outside of court free of charge only if the attorney has been court-appointed.
frequently asked Questions
How do I request an interpreter?
Requests to receive interpreter services can be done verbally or in writing to the Clerk of the District Court. It is possible to have another party accompany you to assist in making the request.
Can my bilingual friend or family member interpret for me in court?
No. This constitutes a perceived conflict of interest. It is important that the interpreter be impartial and not have any interest in the outcome of the case.
My attorney is bilingual. Do I still need an interpreter in court?
Yes. This constitutes a perceived conflict of interest. It is important that the interpreter be impartial and have no apparent interest in the outcome of the case. Also, an attorney can’t simultaneously interpret the proceedings while also representing you in court.