CCIA Files Lawsuit

The California Court Interpreters Association (CCIA) filed a complaint on February 25, 2003 seeking declaratory relief to prevent the implementation of SB 371. The lawsuit, filed against the Judicial Council and the State of California, alleges discrimination based on age, gender, race or national origin and physical disability.

The complaint appears to be based in part on the erroneous claim that the law would require interpreters to become full-time employees.

CCIA has been collecting donations for such a move since its conference in October 2002. "We were expecting this, but it is unfortunate that they would fight against a law that moves the profession forward and gives interpreters greater choices than they have ever had before," said Silvia Barden, Presi-dent of the California Federation of Interpreters.

The Judicial Council will defend the newly enacted law and will continue to move forward with its implementation. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CFI/BACI will intervene in the suit on behalf of interpreters who support the legislation and stand to benefit from its implementation.

"This is a meritless lawsuit, and we hope it will be dismissed quickly," says Scott Kronland, the attorney who was involved in drafting SB 371 and is representing CFI/BACI and CWA in the lawsuit.