‘¿Por que?’ Why You Might Need a Registered Interpreter in Court

By Stacy Westra, Management Analyst, SCAO, Trial Court Services

Many people don’t realize it, but it is a reality that trial courts have established relationships with foreign language interpreters in their geographic locations.  These relationships have grown over time and, absent any outside challenge, continue today.  This is despite MCR 8.127(C) requiring all foreign language interpreters who are certified, qualified, and qualified employees to register with the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). 

‘To Voir Dire or Not to Voir Dire’: That is the Question

By Stacy Westra, Management Analyst, SCAO, Trial Court Services

Doesn’t it seem ironic to begin a story about foreign language interpreters with a French legal term?  That may be, but it is necessary.  Failure to voir dire could jeopardize the successful appointment of a foreign language interpreter at the time of trial.  The term voir dire means “to speak the truth,” and while most often used when referring to the juror process, it is important to understand how it applies to foreign language interpreters.