17th Circuit Honors National Interpreter Appreciation Day The 17th Circuit Court of Illinois proudly recognizes Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as National Interpreter Appreciation Day, and honors the vital work of court interpreters and their indispensable contributions to the administration of justice. Court interpreters are a critical part of our judicial system. Every day, they ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency or those with hearing or speech impairments can fully participate in court proceedings. Without their expertise, meaningful access to justice would not be possible for many. In 2024, court interpreters in the 17th Circuit Court assisted with 11,371 events, providing interpretation services in over 37 different languages. This remarkable service reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community and the court's commitment to equal access to the justice system. The Illinois Supreme Court’s Code of Ethics for Interpreters affirms the essential role of interpreters, stating: "Many persons who come before the courts are prevented from full participation in the proceedings due to limited English proficiency, or a speech or hearing impairment. It is essential that the resulting communication barrier be removed, to the extent possible, so that these persons are placed in the same position as similarly situated persons for whom there is no such barrier." As officers of the court, court interpreters serve not only as linguistic facilitators but also as impartial and highly trained professionals who uphold the integrity of the judicial process. “Court interpretation is a specialized discipline vital to the administration of justice,” said Trial Court Administrator Tom Jakeway. “Our interpreters—both staff and contract professionals—are highly skilled and deeply committed individuals, and we celebrate their unwavering dedication to making justice accessible to all.” The 17th Circuit Court expresses its deepest appreciation to the interpreters who serve our community with accuracy, ethics, and compassion. For more information about interpreter services in the 17th Circuit Court, please visit link. PDF of Press Release
