The Nevada Supreme Court Library was recently awarded a $20,000 American Rescue Plan grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records. The Law Library will use these funds (100%) to translate standardized divorce and custody forms into Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese to ensure self-represented litigants of limited English proficiency (LEP) in Nevada have equal access to court services.
The Nevada Supreme Court Law Library is a vital informational resource provided by the Court for the judicial branch, the bar, and citizens of Nevada. Our mission is to serve as a comprehensive current and archival resource for legal research conducted by the Justices and staff of the Nevada Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and members of the public. The Law Library provides access to the legal materials necessary so users may knowledgably exercise their rights and obligations. Consequently, the Nevada Supreme Court Law Library has recognized the need for translation of standardized Self-Help forms for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Nevada residents.
In Nevada, there are over 250,000 LEP individuals who solely speak Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. This includes any person with limited English proficiency who utilizes Nevada court services. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread through Nevada, access to court services and legal resources have become increasingly virtual and the language barrier that LEP populations struggle with has become more apparent. By using the funds provided by this grant to translate standardized self-help forms, we hope to remove some of the barriers LEP persons face and increase access to Nevada courts and self-help legal services.
About the Nevada Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Nevada is the highest court of the Judicial branch. There are seven Justices on the court who are elected to six-year terms, with one Justice serving as Chief Justice. The court's primary responsibility is to review and rule on appeals from District Court cases and determine if legal or procedural errors were committed during the case. The Supreme Court is funded almost equally from the state general fund and from administrative assessments. The court conducts regular sessions in Carson City and Las Vegas. To learn more about Nevada's judicial branch, visit https://nvcourts.gov/supreme
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. They advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Their vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records (NSLAPR) is the institutional memory of the State of Nevada. They provide governments, agencies, businesses, libraries and individuals a full range of information services. Their mission is to foster and further the establishment and proper maintenance of superior libraries and literacy programs. To promote the acquisition of resources, facilities, professional staffs and auxiliary personnel fully to support library and literacy services.