California Code of Civil Procedure

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Part 1 Of Courts of Justice
Title 1 Organization and Jurisdiction
Chapter 5.5 SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Article 5.  Hearing
Sections 116.510-116.570
 

Chapter 5.5 SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Article 5.  Hearing
 

CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
SECTION 116.550

116.550.  (a) If the court determines that a party does not speak or
understand English sufficiently to comprehend the proceedings or
give testimony, and needs assistance in so doing, the court may
permit another individual (other than an attorney) to assist that
party.
   (b) Each small claims court shall make a reasonable effort to
maintain and make available to the parties a list of interpreters who
are able and willing to aid parties in small claims actions either
for no fee, or for a fee which is reasonable considering the nature
and complexity of the claims.  The list shall include interpreters
for all languages that require interpretation before the court, as
determined by the court in its discretion and in view of the court's
experience.
   (c) Failure to maintain a list of interpreters, or failure to
include an interpreter for a particular language, shall not
invalidate any proceedings before the court.
   (d) If a court interpreter or other competent interpreter is not
available to aid a party in a small claims action, at the first
hearing of the case the court shall postpone the hearing one time
only to allow the party the opportunity to obtain another individual
(other than an attorney) to assist that party.  Any additional
continuances shall be at the discretion of the court.
 

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