Taking of Testimony

Interpreters in Civil Cases Not Instituted by the United States. The presiding judge shall approve the utilization of interpreters in all civil cases not instituted by the United States. Absent a judicial order to the contrary, the presiding judge shall encourage the use of certified interpreters, or when no certified interpreter is reasonably available, “otherwise qualified” interpreters. See 28 U.S.C. § 1827(b).

The presiding judge may approve the use of an interpreter who is not certified or “otherwise qualified” if no certified or “otherwise qualified” interpreter is reasonably available. Upon request, the clerk shall make lists of certified and otherwise qualified interpreters available to parties.