(a) The State of Arkansas requires that court proceedings be conducted in the English language under § 16-10-107. (b) Recognizing that a person with limited English proficiency cannot fully participate in the legal process and exercise the rights afforded to him or her, a court shall appoint a qualified interpreter to assist a person with […]
As used in this subchapter: (1) “Interpret” means to convey spoken English in a manner understood by a person who has limited English proficiency by using American Sign Language and transliteration, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services or similar procedures, or a language in which the person is fluent, and to convey the communication made […]
(a) A person with limited English proficiency who is a party to or a witness in a court proceeding is entitled to a qualified interpreter to interpret for the person throughout the court proceeding. (b) (1) The Supreme Court shall administer an interpreter program to appoint and use interpreters in court proceedings and to ensure […]
(a) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall compile, maintain, and disseminate a certified registry of qualified interpreters for the courts. (b) When an interpreter is requested or when the court determines that a party to or a witness in a court proceeding has limited English proficiency, a qualified interpreter shall be appointed under procedures […]
Before commencing his or her duties, an interpreter appointed under this subchapter shall take an oath in substantially the following form: “Do you [swear] [affirm] that you will make a true and impartial interpretation using your best skills and judgment in accordance with the standards and ethics of the interpreter profession and that you will […]
(a) A court that appoints an interpreter shall dismiss the interpreter and obtain the services of a qualified interpreter under procedures adopted by the Supreme Court: (1) If the interpreter fails to follow the standards prescribed by law or by the Arkansas Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary; (2) If the interpreter […]
An interpreter appointed under this subchapter shall not be compelled to testify in a court proceeding as to any statements made by the person with limited English proficiency and interpreted by the interpreter when the person with limited English proficiency is engaged in a privileged communication recognized by the Arkansas Rules of Evidence.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the payment of the cost of providing an interpreter appointed under this subchapter shall be the responsibility of the local government responsible for funding the court that has jurisdiction over the court proceeding. (b) If an interpreter from the registry maintained by the Administrative Office […]
