We, the professional Cook County court interpreters, are officers of the court. We have a legal and ethical obligation to interpret on the spot so that people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are ensured their civil and constitutional rights. These LEP persons’ rights are protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the United States Constitution.

Any layoffs or furloughs of court interpreters will jeopardize the civil and constitutional rights of Cook County residents and others who use our court system. Currently, LEP persons are not adequately represented in the Cook County court system.

Therefore, we petition that there should be no layoffs or furloughs of court interpreters. It is our position that the Chief Judge instead should hire more full-time interpreters so our courts can provide fair and timely justice.