According to a report released by the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition, many state residents still face barriers when navigating the court system, particularly if English isn鈥檛 their first language or they are part of the Deaf or hard of hearing community.
The report, 鈥淛ustice Disrupted,鈥 detailed unreliable interpreting services, a lack of translated documents, and multilingual signage as major problems that still persist in Massachusetts courts decades after state and federal laws were enacted to improve access.
Researchers took a few different approaches to gathering data for the study, including surveys, focus groups, and court-watching. Among the findings, researchers found that 45% of people surveyed said an interpreter never showed up for their hearing. Respondents also said that when an interpreter doesn鈥檛 show up, a person can file a complaint, but the complaint document is only available in English.
Authors of the study offered nine recommendations to improve language access, including making standby interpreters available, increasing the number of multilingual help desks, and training court staff on cultural responsiveness.
鈥淥ur recommendations will ensure that all court users can truly access justice, no matter the language they speak,鈥 the authors of the study said.
The courts have started taking steps to improve language access. This includes looking to create an interpreter certification program with the National Center for State Courts, reviewing past policies, and creating a new position to enhance the court experience.
But Iris Coloma-Gaines, a statewide law access attorney and co-author of the report, said there is a lot more to do. 鈥淥ur hope is really to engage and collaborate with the court and its ongoing efforts鈥攊ncluding an assessment and examination of the report recommendations to improve access to justice for Deaf and hard of hearing and LEP court users and all court users.鈥
WGBH (10/23/25) By Magdiela Matta