"Access to justice is a bedrock principle of our democracy, yet there are many Californians for whom language is an insurmountable barrier to the courts. Seven million Californians cannot access court services without significant language assistance and cannot effectively participate in court proceedings without a qualified interpreter,” explained Jones.

The courts do not currently provide interpreters for civil cases. For Californians who need language assistance, the prospect of navigating the legal system is daunting, especially for the growing number of people in our family courts and other cases who have no choice but to appear in court without an attorney. And the court system suffers if court orders are based on incomplete or erroneous information, or if the parties cannot understand and comply with court orders.

In urging passage of the bill, Assemblymember Jones noted that Governor Schwarzenegger has stated that the issues at stake in child custody, child support, and other civil cases can be just as important as in criminal cases, where court interpreters are currently required. "The Governor has said it is essential to provide interpreters for civil cases, including family law and domestic violence cases, so that these parties have meaningful access to the courts," Jones said. “This bill will ensure that interpreter services are provided in our courts when people need help," Jones added.

AB 2302 is one of three bills comprising Assemblymember Jones' legislative package on access to justice. His AB 2303 to increase self-help services in court for parties who do not have a lawyer also passed the Assembly today. An additional bill, AB 2301, would create a system for lawyers to make voluntary charitable contributions to legal aid programs through the State Bar of California. It was previously adopted by the Assembly and sent to the Senate where it awaits hearing in the Judiciary Committee.

AB 2302 now moves to the State Senate for consideration.