Language Access Services
Additional resources are available to support language access in South Dakota courts, including statewide and circuit plans, interpreter services, complaint procedures, program reports, and guidance on becoming a court interpreter.
Language Access Plans
Statewide Language Access Plan
This document details South Dakota's strategy for providing language access in courts, ensuring LEP and deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals receive necessary interpretation services.
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First Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The First Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Second Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The Second Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Third Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The First Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Fourth Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The Fourth Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Fifth Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The Fifth Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Sixth Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The Sixth Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Seventh Judicial Circuit Language Access Plan
The Seventh Judicial Circuit's Language Access Plan ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency or hearing impairments have meaningful access to court services by providing timely and effective language assistance, including interpreters and translated materials, in compliance with federal and state laws.
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Language Assistance for Court Users
Interpreter Services Available
Find a statement on available interpreter services in various languages, including Amharic, Arabic, Dinka, French, Karen, Kunama, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.
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Interpreter Related Complaints
This document explains the procedure for submitting and handling complaints against court interpreters, ensuring professionalism, accuracy, and accountability in legal interpreting services.
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Interpreter Program Reports & Resources
Bench Card: Courtroom Interpreting
Provides judges with guidelines on courtroom interpreting, ensuring LEP and deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals receive fair access to justice.
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Interpreter Program Update
This document provides updates on interpreter services, including improvements, challenges, and future plans to enhance language access for LEP individuals in South Dakota courts.
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Interpreter Committee Funding Report
The Interpreter Committee Funding Report analyzes costs, funding sources, and financial strategies to sustain interpreter services in South Dakota courts for LEP individuals.
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2011 Interpreter Committee Report to the Supreme Court
The 2011 Interpreter Committee Report to the South Dakota Supreme Court presents 32 recommendations to improve language access in courts, ensuring fairness for LEP individuals.
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Interpreter Committee Meeting Minutes
This document records discussions, decisions, and action items from meetings on interpreter services, addressing policies, funding, and strategies for language access in courts.
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Guidance for Court Interpreters
Interpreter Handbook
This handbook provides guidelines for court interpreters, covering ethics, procedures, qualifications, and best practices to ensure accurate and impartial language access in courts.
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Interpreter Code of Ethics
The Interpreter Code of Ethics sets standards for court interpreters in South Dakota, ensuring accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism in legal settings.
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Interpreters Translators Needed - Languages Needed
Browse our list of interpreters and translators the SD United Judicial System has needed for cases in the past.
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How to Become an Interpreter
Effective communication in legal proceedings is crucial to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency can fully participate and understand the judicial process. By recruiting interpreters for a diverse range of languages, the UJS seeks to uphold the principles of fairness and equal access to justice.
If you are interested in working as a court interpreter or translator, please contact the Language Access Coordinator at Language.Coordinator@ujs.state.sd.us for more information.
Examples of Languages Previously Needed
Court Interpreter Resources
The National Center for State Courts offers resources for aspiring court interpreters, including self-assessment tools, study materials, and legal glossaries.