New Jersey’s court system will begin translating vital court documents to remove language barriers for people with limited English proficiency after a federal investigation into the courts found discriminatory obstacles for non-English speakers.
The New Jersey Judiciary agreed to implement improved translation and interpreter access, a move that resolved an investigation stemming from a Monmouth County-based discrimination complaint. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division investigated the judiciary from 2019 through 2023 and found court officials failed to properly translate or explain vital forms for people with limited English proficiency.
“Dispensing justice fairly and equitably is a cornerstone of our democratic system,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said in a release. “We remain committed to ensuring that all litigants in New Jersey have equal access to New Jersey’s court system regardless of language barriers. This agreement will ensure that limited English court users will have equal access to the New Jersey state courts in Monmouth County.”
The New Jersey Judiciary will also pay $89,718 to an employee who accused the court system of retaliation after they complained about the discrimination to the Justice Department.
Federal officials will monitor the implementation of the reforms for two years.