NCJ Number
79487
Date Published
1978
Length
375 pages
Annotation
These House subcommittee hearings introduce the issues addressed by the Court Interpreters Act, legislation that mandates language interpreters and interpreters for the hearing and speech impaired, and hears detailed testimony pertaining to the provisions of the act.
Abstract
The legislation would mandate interpreters in Federal criminal and civil proceedings and would make changes affecting the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Those presenting testimony include a U.S. Court of Appeals judge, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, representatives from the National Center for Law and the Deaf, various court and Government officials, U.S. District Court judges in Puerto Rico, and U.S. attorneys. The Attorney General and Governor of Puerto Rico also present their statements. Those giving testimony note that there are thousands of Spanish-speaking and deaf Americans who could benefit from the legislation and that the costs of implementing the act would be low ($2 million annually) considering that the interests of equal justice are involved. A congressional representative explains the provisions of the proposed act, and a Department of Justice attorney notes that the bill would provide for standards for and certification of interpreters. Appendixes include additional statements the yearbook (1978) of the American Association of Language Specialists, with lists of members and a description and list of members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. A few tables are included with the prepared statements.