Interpreter Information

Foreign Language Interpreters

The Court shall appoint qualified interpreters in all legal courtroom proceedings in which a non-English-speaking person is a party or a witness, unless the right to do so has been waived. Under §476.803 RSMo, the Court must provide qualified interpreters and translators in all legal courtroom proceedings in which the non-English-speaking person is a party or a witness. The Court may accept a waiver of this right so long as it is determined that the waiver has been made knowingly, and any such waiver may be retracted at any time.

In accordance with Executive Order 13166, all recipients of federal assistance must provide meaningful access to programs and services to people with limited-English proficiency in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Recipients risk losing federal assistance when language assistance is not provided. The Jackson County Circuit Court receives federal funds, and Title VI applies.

Deaf / Hard of Hearing Interpreters

The Court may not discriminate against any person based on a qualified disability. The Court must provide the means for effective communication for parties, witnesses, jurors, and spectators in every case. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act specifically protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the services, programs, or activities of all state and local governments. Sections 476.750–476.766 RSMo address assistance for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in court proceedings.