IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NORTH DAKOTA
IN THE MATTER OF: ) REDACTED1
) STANDING ORDER
SPANISH LANGUAGE )
INTERPRETERS )
)
The Court Interpreters Act mandates that federal courts utilize a foreign language
interpreter, certified as professionally qualified by the Administrative Office of the United States
Courts, in all judicial proceedings instituted by the United States. 28 U.S.C. § 1827. Only one
person residing in the District of North Dakota has been certified as professionally qualified in the
Spanish language.
Based upon the statutory limitations imposed by the Speedy Trial Act, the high cost of
travel to this rural state, and the inflexibility of telephone conferences during judicial proceedings,
this Court FINDS that a certified Spanish language interpreter is not always reasonably available
and that the services of an otherwise competent interpreter are necessary to preserve the rights of
persons appearing before the Court who speak Spanish as a native language. See United States v.
Gonzales, 339 F.3d 725 (8th Cir. 2003).
The Court has evaluated as wholly competent the Spanish language interpreting services
provided by certain non-certified interpreters during judicial proceedings; notes the receipt of very
favorable comments from the defense bar holding these interpreters in high regard; and FINDS
that the following individuals are sufficiently language skilled to be considered “otherwise
qualified” interpreters pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1827(b)(2) and Regulations of the Director of the
1
Requests for an unredacted version of this order should be directed to the Clerk of Court.
Administrative Office of the United States Courts Implementing the Court Interpreters
Amendments Act of 1988, Part III, Sec. 9.:
J.E.
S.S., and
E.M.
IT IS ORDERED that the above-listed individuals shall be permitted to provide Spanish
language interpreting services as an “otherwise qualified” interpreter until such time as more
certified Spanish language interpreters resides in the District or if the one professionally certified
individual who resides within the district is unavailable. IT IS ORDERED that this Order shall
expire on its own terms on January 15, 2027.
Dated this 16th day of January, 2026.
/s/ Peter D. Welte
Peter D. Welte, Chief Judge
United States District Court
