Rule 11 . Interpreters or other special needs.

(a) In both civil and criminal matters where a litigant is not represented by counsel, if the court determines that a litigant or witness requires the assistance of an interpreter or other special need, the court shall arrange for the appearance of a certified interpreter or make provision for special needs. (1) The court will bear the cost for the assistance of an interpreter or other special need (for example American Sign Language for the hearing impaired) in criminal matters. (2) Upon application and approval of the requisite fee waiver, the court will bear the cost for the use of an interpreter or other special need in the absence of bilingual support in civil matters. (b) If an attorney represents a litigant or has knowledge of a witness that requires assistance of an interpreter or other special need, it is the attorney’s responsibility to contact the court to ensure that an interpreter has been arranged for all justice court proceedings. The attorney must submit a written request for interpreter or other special need to the court at least 10 days prior to the court appearance. The court is responsible for notifying the interpreter if there is a change in the court’s schedule to avoid unnecessary charges.