Ensuring Language Access: A Strategic Plan for the New York State Courts

On March 24, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks announced Ensuring Language Access: A Strategic Plan for the New York State Courts, an initiative that aims to enhance access to justice for litigants and other parties with limited English proficiency (LEP) or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Following plans launched in 2006 and 2011, the initiative offers nearly 70 actions to be taken by the court system to improve the quality of language access in the New York courts. The need for the court system to improve language access and to better accommodate people with disabilities were two of the main points offered by the City Bar in a transition letter to Chief Judge Janet DiFiore last year.

With over 150 languages spoken in New York State, and thousands of cases heard in New York State courts involving litigants with limited English proficiency, the provision of language access remains challenging. This initiative will take the much needed steps towards improving the quality of language access services in the courts and eliminating barriers by providing enhanced court interpreter recruitment, training and assessment; optimizing the use of interpreting resources; and ensuring language access in other parts of the courthouse in addition to the courtroom. With respect to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the report identifies the diverse needs of the community, including plans to raise public awareness about the services provided by the courts’ Office of Language Access and ensure language access in New York’s Town and Village Courts.

The City Bar applauds the release of the report and looks forward to its implementation. We urge our members to continue engaging on these important access-to-justice issues.