The Sixth Circuit Court is dedicated to ensuring access for Limited English Proficient (LEP), deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing individuals. The Circuit Court provides language interpreters for individuals who have limited English proficiency or are unable to communicate due to a hearing impairment.

Foreign language services are addressed by the following:

• MCR 1.111, Foreign Language Interpreters
• Administrative Order 2013-8, Trial Court Requirements for Providing Meaningful Access to the Court for Limited English Proficient Persons
• Local Administrative Order 2013-04J, Language Access Plan

Interpreters for the deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing are addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Deaf Person’s Interpreter Act.

Request a Court Interpreter

The Court Administrator's Office uses a modified version of the statewide interpreter list published by the State Court Administrative Office. When the need for an interpreter arises, the judge's court clerk or secretary will contact an interpreter from the courts' Foreign Language Local Interpreter List or the Sign Language Interpreter List.

Court Interpreters are officers of the court. Various procedures and code of professional conduct govern interpreter's behavior and ensure that all parties receive full protection under the law.

If you are in need of an interpreter, please complete the request portion of:

• Foreign Language Interpreter: Request and Order for Interpreter
• Sign Language Interpreter: ADA Request Information Page

Once you have completed the appropriate request, you must submit your request to the chambers of your assigned Judge. If you believe that the Court made a mistake in denying your request for a foreign language interpreter, you may request the Chief Judge to review the decision. Please use the Review of Request for Interpreter and Order.

If you do not have a case before the Court, you may contact the Court Administrator’s Office for assistance at 248-858-0345.