US Courts, Non-English Defendants Suffer From Shortage of Qualified Interpreters

The United States is suffering from a shortage of court interpreters - language experts who translate in court for people who do not speak English. The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and translators says many states find it hard to recruit, train and test interpreters, and warns the shortage is affecting people's legal rights.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts points to a rise in the number of cases requiring interpreters. But many U.S. states lack the money and expertise needed to train and certify the necessary number of interpreters, according to the National Center for State Courts.

Efforts are underway to address the problem.

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