The Maryland Judiciary has introduced new online portals to enhance access to court resources for individuals with limited English proficiency. The initiative includes fully translated materials in Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, and Korean available on the Judiciary’s website. These resources include court forms, interpreter service requests, brochures, and general information about the courts. Each portal begins with a video introduction to Maryland's courts narrated in the respective language.
Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, emphasized the commitment to ensuring justice access for all residents: “The Judiciary is committed to ensuring access to justice to all Maryland residents, including those whose first language is other than English. Consistent with our Strategic Plan, these five new language portals remove barriers for people who need information about accessing our courts and court services.” She further noted that this effort supports their mission "to advance fair, efficient, and effective justice for all throughout Maryland."
The portals are designed to meet high standards of language accessibility and can be accessed via icons prominently displayed on the website. They complement existing language services such as interpreters, bilingual staff, and telephonic interpretation offered at various court offices across the state. Information about these services is available in multiple languages through posters displayed statewide.
Maryland has been acknowledged as a national leader in providing fair and efficient justice. It ranks fourth nationally for overall performance according to the Justice Index by the National Center for Access to Justice. The index evaluates states based on attorney access and services related to self-representation, language assistance, and disabilities. Earlier this year, Maryland was highlighted as a pioneer in adopting innovative civil legal aid models that empower individuals within the justice system.