Wisconsin Supreme Court Notice
Final Order 24-02: Interpreters in Municipal Court Proceedings
On May 20, 2024, Wisconsin Justice Initiative Inc. filed a rule petition asking the court to create Wis. Stat. § 885.375 and amend Wis. Stat. § 885.37 and Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 63.002 to establish a right to a qualified court interpreter for certain individuals in municipal court proceedings with limited English proficiency, without regard to indigency, at municipal expense.
The court held a public hearing on Dec. 17, 2024. At the ensuing open administrative conference, the court acknowledged the concerns giving rise to the petition, but voted 7-0 to deny the petition and voted 4-3 to refer the issues raised in the petition and responses for further study by the Wisconsin Judicial Council.
ORDER ISSUED: Jan. 22, 2025
DISPOSITION: Petition denied; however, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 758.13(2)(d), the court suggests that the Wisconsin Judicial Council, in its discretion, study the issues relating to access to qualified court interpreters in municipal courts, the use of interpreter translation services in such proceedings, and funding therefor, and take whatever action it deems appropriate within the remit of its statutory authority.
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