Litigants who require interpreters for simultaneous
translation in depositions, to consult with counsel outside the court or
for other aspects of civil cases must make their own arrangements. However, the court will provide interpreters for witnesses in trials or
hearings in this court or if the court needs to communicate with a party.
Such services require the authorization of the Justice presiding. The
court has several Spanish-English interpreters on staff. The Trial Support
Office (646-386-3160) maintains a list of interpreters for some other
languages, including sign language. The qualifications of these
interpreters have been reviewed by the Office of Court Administration and
found satisfactory.
An attorney who seeks an interpreter in a language other than Spanish
must inform the Justice presiding of the request several days in advance
to afford the Justice time to consider the request. The Trial Support
Office needs 48 hours notice in order to be able to make necessary
arrangements if approval is granted.
March 2006