Sometimes, we watch the news—and have thoughts about it. “The Orb Industry Watch” unpacks the policies, market shifts, and power plays shaping global expansion and the language industry.
In the world of language services, few domains are as fiercely protected from automation as the legal sector. Accuracy here isn’t just about brand reputation, it’s about civil rights, due process, and legal precedent. So when a state Supreme Court in the U.S. opens the door to AI-powered translation, even slightly, it’s a signal worth watching.
The news
On May 6, 2025, Court News Ohio reported that the public may now comment on proposed amendments to interpreter service rules across Ohio courts. The headline change? A new provision — Rule 87 — introducing a framework for limited use of generative AI in legal translation and interpretation.
That framework is extremely cautious, and rightly so. Under the proposal:
- AI cannot be used for interpreting or translating in any substantive legal case, hearing, or official court function.
- AI cannot translate legal documents like court orders, forms, or anything that could affect legal outcomes.
- AI can only be used for non-substantive communications (think court signage, public-facing websites, chatbots, or general info).
Even in those low-risk scenarios, human review is recommended, and AI use must be disclosed.
The bigger picture
This move is both conservative and progressive. On one hand, Ohio is protecting the legal sanctity of interpretation by keeping GenAI far from the courtroom’s core functions. On the other, it’s acknowledging a real-world challenge: the growing demand for multilingual access and the ongoing interpreter shortage.
Ohio is also proposing to:
- Make language certification permanent (versus expiring every three years).
- Allow semi-certified interpreters to assist in low-stakes cases.
- Accept out-of-state certifications to fill local gaps.
AI is being explored here not as a silver bullet, but as a support system, particularly in administrative areas where cost, time, and accessibility pressures are highest.
