When to request an interpreter
The decision to appoint an interpreter should be made as early as possible. If unsure of the need, voir dire the litigant or witness by asking open-ending questions in English during a brief hearing. Some examples of questions may be:
- How did you arrive at court today?
- How did you learn English?
- What is the most difficult thing about communicating in English?
For a clear understanding of which type of interpretation is appropriate for various types of court interactions:
Read "Not Open to Interpretation: When courts are and are not obligated to provide interpreter services"
Interpreting is not translating
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but completely different skills are required for each. Interpreting means to transfer a verbal message from the source language into a verbal message in the target language. Translating means to transfer a written message from the source language into a written message in the target language.
Interpreting in person versus over the phone
The Indiana Supreme Court provides trial courts with free access to a telephonic interpreter service, LanguageLine Solutions®, as a courtesy to be used in an emergency or as a last resort.
Interpreters employed by language service agencies, including LanguageLine Solutions®, are outside the control of the Indiana Supreme Court’s Court Interpreter Program and should not be deemed court certified. It is up to each court to assess, ensure, and establish on the record that these interpreters are qualified before the hearing.
Use this service only for brief, non-contested hearings or when time is of the essence, and you are unable to obtain an in-person court certified or qualified interpreter in advance. Never use unqualified interpreters, telephonically or in-person, for guilty pleas, long hearings, contested matters, or trials.
Contact us to get started with LanguageLine Solutions®. We will provide your court with an ID number to use when you call in.
Who may interpret
Family members, friends, minor children, and bilingual attorneys are not qualified to interpret during an official court proceeding. Only a certified or qualified interpreter who is neutral and does not know the parties should interpret a court proceeding. See our certified interpreter registry for available interpreters. Note that certified and qualified interpreters must adhere to the Interpreter code of conduct & procedure.
Paying interpreters
In most cases, the court must pay for interpreter services. The Office of Judicial Administration offers court interpreter grants to assist courts with the cost. To provide equal and meaningful access to limited English proficient individuals who access the judicial system, it is the responsibility of the court to pay the costs for an interpreter. If you have questions about whether you should pay, please contact us.