Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

Video remote interpreting (VRI) uses audio and video technologies to provide court users with spoken or sign language interpreting through a remote or off-site interpreter. On an individual basis, the court will determine if each case event is appropriate for VRI.

Potential benefits of VRI include:

• Increased access to qualified (certified and registered) interpreters, especially in languages of lesser diffusion.
• Allowing court users to see and talk to an interpreter in their language without extended delay, despite not being in the same room, or even the same city.
• Allowing court users to resolve short, non-complex, and uncontested hearings, even when on-site interpreters are unavailable, lowering the need to reschedule court visits.
• Private and confidential VRI conversations, similar to in-person interpreting.

Resources

Remote Hearings Resources for Court Users: Short videos, infographics, and guides are now available in English and Spanish as part of the California Courts Self-Help Guide to help court users successfully participate in their remote hearings and access interpretation. These resources will also be available in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Limited Telephonic & Remote Interpreter Services (effective July 1, 2022): The Judicial Council has entered into a master agreement with United Language Group (ULG). When a participating court is unable to secure a California certified or registered court interpreter, these optional services may be used to provide interpretation at self-help centers, public counters, and for other court services and programs. Telephonic interpreter services are available for spoken languages, and VRI services are available for American Sign Language (ASL). 

Please visit the Procurement Services webpage for the master agreement and amendment (for ASL VRI services on platforms like Zoom), updated user instructions, and participating addendum. 

VRI Guidelines (updated May 21, 2021): The Recommended Guidelines and Minimum Specifications for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for Spoken Language-Interpreted Events have been updated and provide general guidance to support VRI use for spoken language-interpreted events in physical and virtual courtrooms, including key considerations and recommended minimum technology specifications.

American Sign Language (ASL) VRI Guidelines (2012): The Recommended Guidelines for Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for ASL-Interpreted Events help courts determine whether VRI is appropriate for a given proceeding with ASL interpretation and whether the courtroom equipment meets the minimum technology requirements for effective use of VRI.

Contact

For more information, please contact LAP@jud.ca.gov.