Narrative Opinion Summary
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma issued an order effective October 1, 2021, revising the payment and operational procedures for courtroom interpreters for foreign languages and sign language. This order supersedes the previous Administrative Directive No. SCAD-2020-113. The directive mandates that judges and court clerks prioritize hiring interpreters with the highest credentials, emphasizing certified interpreters’ precedence. Hourly rates are established for both foreign and sign language interpreters, with certified interpreters receiving higher compensation. Additionally, certified and registered interpreters are guaranteed a minimum pay for two hours per day, and specific billing protocols are set to ensure fair compensation and efficient court operations. A $100 cancellation fee is stipulated for late cancellations of certified or registered interpreters, with certain exceptions. The Chief Justice retains the discretion to authorize deviations from these provisions to meet the courts' language access needs. The order seeks to optimize the use of interpreters while maintaining accurate records for potential appellate review, ensuring the equitable administration of judicial resources.
Legal Issues Addressed
Authority of Chief Justice to Modify Interpreter Provisionssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The Chief Justice may authorize deviations from established rates and provisions to address specific language access needs, ensuring flexibility in court operations.
Reasoning: The Chief Justice has the authority to permit deviations from established hourly rates or provisions in the SCAD to address the language access requirements of the courts.
Cancellation Fees and Notice for Court Interpreterssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Certified or registered interpreters are entitled to a $100 cancellation fee for late cancellations, provided cancellations are not due to weather or health issues.
Reasoning: A $100 cancellation fee applies for late cancellations of Certified or Registered Interpreters, excluding weather or health-related cancellations...
Minimum Pay and Billing for Court Interpreterssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Certified and registered interpreters are guaranteed a minimum of two hours of pay per day, with billing in increments thereafter, to ensure fair compensation for their services.
Reasoning: Certified and Registered Courtroom Interpreters, as well as Certified Sign Language Interpreters, are guaranteed a minimum of two hours of pay per day for court services in district courts.
Order of Preference for Hiring Courtroom Interpreterssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Judges and court clerks must prioritize hiring interpreters with the highest credentials as outlined by statute, ensuring certified interpreters are given preference over those with lesser qualifications.
Reasoning: Judges and court clerks are required to prioritize hiring courtroom interpreters with the highest credentials, as outlined in 20 O.S. Supp. 2020. 1710, before considering those with lesser qualifications.
Payment Structure for Foreign Language Interpreterssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court has established hourly rates for foreign language interpreters based on their level of certification, with certified interpreters receiving up to $80 per hour.
Reasoning: The rates for interpreters provided at court expense are as follows: Certified Courtroom Interpreters: up to $80 per hour...
Payment Structure for Sign Language Interpreterssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Certified sign language interpreters are compensated at a higher rate, up to $80 per hour, while other qualified legal interpreters are paid up to $60 per hour.
Reasoning: The payment structure for sign language interpreters is as follows: Certified Sign Language Interpreters: up to $80 per hour...