In an engaging press conference last week, Chief Justice Robert Young and Justice Bridget McCormack unveiled Michigan's new rules on providing translation services to court users with limited English proficiency. The Court's action, adopted over the objections of Justice Stephen Markman, clearly marked an expansion and upgrade of such services across the state. But the Free Press reported over the weekend that the Department of Justice may not yet be wholly on board. Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney forthe Eastern District of Michigan, told the Free Press:
We’re concerned that this rule may not provide meaningful access to a large number of people who may need access to the court. While we are pleased that the Michigan Supreme Court is beginning to address the need for language interpretation in Michigan courts, we hoped it would do so on a more collaborative basis to make sure its rule complies with federal law.
Interpretation services may be required.
