Interpreters fulfill a critical role within our court system. Court-provided interpreters
ensure that all litigants are afforded their constitutional rights of due process
and equal protection under the law regardless of their ability to hear, understand
or speak the English language. Additionally, interpreters enable court proceedings
to function in an effective and efficient manner.
Our Commitment
The Johnson County District Court is committed to ensuring meaningful language access for limited English proficient (LEP)
individuals. A qualified interpreter can be provided during all court proceedings for parties, witnesses, victims and parents
or legal guardians of a juvenile who is subject to a court proceeding.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Johnson County District Court is committed to ensuring
effective communication for deaf individuals who participate in court proceedings by providing auxiliary aids and services,
including qualified interpreters. Participants may include parties, witnesses, jurors, spectators, victims, attorneys and
parents or legal guardians of a juvenile who is subject to a court proceeding.
Additionally, interpreting services can be provided for LEP and deaf individuals outside the courtroom for activities or
services that are operated or managed by the Court. Some examples include the Clerk’s Office, Self Help Center and the
Johnson County Court Services Office (probation, domestic mediation, programs and classes).
The Court does not provide interpreting services for activities or services obtained through a private provider. This may
include court-ordered classes, assessments, interviews, drug screens, and treatment or therapy sessions.
Right to an Interpreter
Pursuant to Kansas law, a qualified interpreter shall be appointed in many instances
for persons whose primary language is one other than English, or who is deaf or
hard of hearing. K.S.A. 75-4351
Although the United States Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right
to an interpreter, the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments have traditionally
formed the foundation for asserting a defendant’s right to an interpreter.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Actof 1964 requires agencies
receiving federal funds to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access for
Limited English proficient (LEP) persons.
Title II of
the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires local and state courts to provide
qualified sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication with deaf
and hard of hearing individuals.
Last Minute Requests:
All reasonable efforts will be made to schedule an interpreter for last-minute requests.
But to ensure that a qualified interpreter will be available please provide as much
notice as possible. It is a not only a strain on financial resources to accommodate
last-minute requests, but emergency requests may delay the judicial process.
Attorney-Client Conferences:
In criminal cases, an interpreter can be provided for defendants to be able to effectively
communicate with their attorneys outside of court free of charge only if the attorney
has been court-appointed.
Protection Orders:
If you wish to apply for a Protection from Abuse order or a Protection from Stalking
Order and you need an interpreter please contact the Victim Assistance Unit in the
District Attorney’s Office at 913- 715-3004 and an interpreter can be provided free
of charge to assist you with the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How do I request an interpreter?
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You may use the online scheduler or send
an email to:
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For a foreign language interpreter:
[email protected]
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For a sign language interpreter:
[email protected]
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Can my bilingual friend or family member interpret for me in court?
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No. This constitutes a perceived conflict of interest. It is important that the
interpreter be impartial and not have any interest in the outcome of the case.
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My attorney is bilingual. Do I still need an interpreter in court?
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Yes.This constitutes a perceived conflict of interest. It is important that the
interpreter be impartial and have no apparent interest in the outcome of the case.
Also, an attorney can’t simultaneously interpret the proceedings while also representing
you in court.
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If you have further information regarding court interpreters please contact
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Abby Ryan - Language Access Coordinator
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[email protected]
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