The Maryland Judiciary has implemented two modifications to the Maryland Rules, aimed at enhancing court access for individuals with limited English proficiency or those requiring accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These changes became effective on July 1, 2015.
Under Rule 1-333, parties needing a court interpreter now need to make only one request, instead of separate requests for each court event as was previously necessary. However, victims and witnesses must still submit a request each time they require an interpreter. The rule mandates that interpreters be provided not only for trials and open court matters but also for certain other court-related services. Rule 1-333 replaces the former Rule 16-819 concerning court interpreters.
Revisions to Rule 1-332 include adding victims, jurors, and prospective jurors to those who must receive ADA accommodations upon request. Additionally, the accommodation request form is now available on the Judiciary's website to enhance accessibility. The rule clarifies that courts will decide if a sign language interpreter is required under ADA and Maryland law; if so, appointments will follow Rule 1-333.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera stated, "The changes to the Maryland Rules will help ensure that people gain access to justice by removing barriers that may have prevented their full participation in the past. We expect these changes to support the Judiciary in fulfilling its mission of providing fair, effective, efficient, and accessible justice for everyone."
Information about court language services is available on the Judiciary's website. For further details, Pamela Ortiz from Maryland Judiciary’s Access to Justice Department can be contacted at 410-260-1258 or via email.