North Carolina courts under fire for lack of interpreters
May 19, 2011
North Carolina: On Monday, three groups filed a complaint with the United States Department of Justice, challenging North Carolina's lack of interpreters in its courts. The groups participating in the filing are the Latin American Coalition, the Muslim American Society of Charlotte and the Vietnamese Coalition of Charlotte. They contend that justice is being denied by those that do not speak English and cannot navigate the courts without assistance.[1]
The Administrative Office of the Courts responded by stating that they had requested more money for interpreters from the North Carolina State Legislature this year, just as they had last year.[1]
Extra funds may be difficult for the Legislature to come by, however, since the state faces a $3.7 billion shortfall next year. The courts have already cut expenses dramatically to reduce its own operating budget. To learn more, read: North Carolina's budget quandry.
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina
State courts:
Supreme Court of North Carolina • North Carolina Court of Appeals • North Carolina Superior Courts • North Carolina District Courts
State resources:
Courts in North Carolina • North Carolina judicial elections • Judicial selection in North Carolina
