The Los Angeles County Superior Court has begun expanding access to free interpreter services for those with limited English skills in some civil cases, seeking to address a gap in language services that federal authorities say violates the Civil Rights Act.

The court has started providing translators at no cost for those involved in eviction, guardianship and conservatorship cases, a service previously only available to low-income litigants.

Unlike in criminal court, people in civil cases do not have a constitutional right to an interpreter, making navigating the court system exceedingly difficult for many, said Joann H. Lee, directing attorney with Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

“We think it’s a great step toward full implementation, and L.A. County seems to be really leading the effort statewide,” Lee said.

About a third of California’s nearly 7 million limited-English speakers reside in Los Angeles County. More.

See: LA Times

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