Language Access Portal
The Washington Courts are committed to ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals regardless of their ability to communicate in the spoken English language. Language interpreters play an essential role in ensuring due process and helping court proceedings function efficiently and effectively.
Local trial courts are responsible for scheduling interpreters for court proceedings. If you or someone you know requires the use of a language interpreter, please contact the court where the proceeding will occur.
Updates and Announcements
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Website Update
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The Language Access Team at the AOC belives in a justice system where every person in Washington can fully participate in the courts in the language that serves them best. Our mission is to support Washington's courts in delivering high-quality, meaningful language access so every court user can fully participate in the justice process. We drive this work forward by helping turn polices into practice through innovating, providing education, technical assistance and resources, and collaborating with justice partners and communities to promote equity and fairness.
The strategic direction for language access in the courts is found in state statute and court rule:
- RCW Chapter 2.42 Note: External links should trigger the external link modal secures the rights of deaf and hearing impaired persons to interpreters.
- RCW Chapter 2.43 Note: External links should trigger the external link modal secures the rights of non-English speaking and limited English speaking persons.
- GR (General Rule) 11 establishes the Interpreter and Language Access Commission (ILAC), the Code of Professional Responsibility for Judiciary Interpreters, and the rules regarding Remote Interpretation and Team Interpretation
Key Documents in Providing Language Access
Court Interpreter Benchcard
This manual is a practical guide to assist interpreters in fulfilling their professional and ethical responsibilities. It also serves as a valuable resource for judges, attorneys, schedulers, court personnel, and anyone else who works with interpreters or wishes to study the field.
Download Court Interpreter Benchcard (PDF) PDF document
Standards of Practice and Ethics for Washington State Judiciary Interpreters
This manual is a practical guide to assist interpreters in fulfilling their professional and ethical responsibilities. It also serves as a valuable resource for judges, attorneys, schedulers, court personnel, and anyone else who works with interpreters or wishes to study the field.
Download Standards of Practice and Ethics for Washington State Judiciary Interpreters (PDF) PDF document
Language Access Plans (LAP)
All trial courts in Washington are required to develop and maintain a written language access plan to provide a framework for the provision of language access services and to submit their plans every two years starting in 2026. (RCW 2.43.090). The AOC provides a template, resources, and other assistance to support courts in developing their LAPs.
Language Access Plans (LAP)