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Rule 88: A New Set of Standards for Legal Interpreters
The Ohio Supreme Court has recently published a new set of standards for sign language interpreters working in the legal setting which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013. The law is known as Rule 88 and is attached. Please take a few minutes to read through this ruling to familiarize yourself with its standards:

Rule 88 defines the following:

(A) When appointment of a foreign language interpreter is required
(B) When appointment of a sign language interpreter is required
(C) Appointments to avoid (parties who should not be employed as interpreters)
(D) Certification requirement for foreign language interpreters
(E) Certification requirement for sign language interpreters*
(F) Appointment of multiple foreign language interpreters or sign language interpreters
(G) Examination on record (a formal determination of the need for interpreter services)
(H) Waiver (when a party may or may not refuse the services of an interpreter)
(I) Administration of oath or affirmation

*According to the new law, courts must first seek the services of a “Supreme Court certified” sign language interpreter, which is defined as an interpreter holding an SC:L certificate from RID. If no such interpreter is available, the courts may consider rescheduling the proceedings until such time as a Supreme Court certified sign language interpreter is available. Should the courts deem that a SC:L interpreter is not available, the courts may appoint interpreters in this order of selection:

NIC Master
NIC Advanced
RID CI/CT
RID CSC
RID MCSC
NAD Level V
NIC
NAD Level IV

OCRID applauds this effort to increase the quality of interpreting services in our courtrooms. As professional interpreters working in the court systems, we should be vigilant in following state guidelines set by the Supreme Court of Ohio. It is for the benefit and protection of the communities we serve.

To sign up for the Ohio Supreme Court Roster, click here

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Revised Guidelines for Ohio Educational Interpreters! - Click Here

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