"Due process is a core value of the American judicial system, ensuring that every litigant and criminal defendant receives a fair hearing that is based on the merits of his or her case and presided over by an impartial judge. No one should be put at a disadvantage in court by reason of race, ethnicity, or gender. The basic fairness of the Pennsylvania court system is jeopardized if litigants with limited English proficiency (LEP) are unable to have access to competent interpreters and other language assistance."

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq.

The Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania complies with Title VI which prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin and requires that the court ensure meaningful access to its programs and activities by persons with limited proficiency in the English language. Requests for foreign language interpreters must be made at least five (5) business days in advance of the court activity. If you have received notice of a scheduled court appearance and require a foreign language interpreter, please call the court's FLI Coordinator immediately. Because some arrangements require additional time, as much notice as possible is requested by the court. The request for a foreign language interpreter may be made by completing a Foreign Language Interpreter Request form and returning it to FLI Coordinator either by mail:

or by faxing it to (412) 350-5006.