2012 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure–Courts
Chapter 8-19 - Language Interpreters – Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings
Chapter 8-19-2 - Definitions.

§ 8-19-2 Definitions. – As used in this chapter:

(1) A "non-English speaking person" means any person who can not readily speak or understand the English language and whose native language is either Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean or Cambodian. Hearing impaired persons covered under § 8-5-8 are not included in this definition.

(2) A "qualified interpreter" is a person who through experience and training is able to translate a particular foreign language into English but who does not have a state certification pursuant to this chapter.

(3) A "state certified interpreter" is one who is able to interpret simultaneously and consecutively and sight translate from English to the language of the person needing an interpreter, and from said language to English, and who has been certified pursuant to the provision of § 8-19-5.

(4) "Legal proceedings" means any criminal proceeding in the Rhode Island superior court, Rhode Island district court, or in juvenile matters before the Rhode Island family court.

(5) "Appointing authority" means the judicial officer presiding at any of the legal proceedings defined in this section and pursuant to the rules and regulations set forth by the administrative office of state courts.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1.)