News

Carmel Capati, manager of the Court Interpreter Program of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, is the recipient of the National Center for State Courts’ (NCSC) Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest awards presented by the organization. The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to those who have made significant contributions to the justice system and who have supported the mission of NCSC. The date and location of the award presentation are being finalized.

“Ms. Capati has worked tirelessly -- both professionally and as a volunteer -- to improve access to the courts for people with language barriers. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication to the justice system continue to make a positive difference in the nation’s courts,” said NCSC President Mary McQueen. Capati has worked closely with NCSC, the Conference of Chief Justices, and the Conference of State Court Administrators on language access issues, McQueen said.

Capati has been in her position since 2003, and over the years has educated numerous judges, court clerks, court staff, and attorneys on state and federal laws regarding language access in the courts. From 2012 to 2014, she served as one of three liaisons from the Council of Language Access Coordinators to the national Language Access Advisory Committee.

Capati received her juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, served in the Peace Corps, and was the recipient of a Fulbright-Hays scholarship in the Philippines.

The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court reform organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.

Contact:
Lorri Montgomery
Director of Communications
National Center for State Courts