A recent census update has reported that 1 of every 7 persons in the United States is Hispanic, a record number of nearly 45.5 million persons. Currently, Hispanics are recognized as the largest minority in the country, comprising approximately 15.1% of the total population. Nearly every state is experiencing the effects of this increase, especially in legal settings. Federal, state and municipal courts throughout the nation are facing a severe shortage of qualified interpreters. Legal interpreters are also in high demand in all areas of law enforcement, administrative hearings and community service agencies. Additionally, attorneys regularly seek qualified interpreters to assist them in communicating effectively with Hispanic clients of limited English proficiency. In light of current and future needs for professionally trained interpreters, employment opportunities for individuals with these unique skills will continue to flourish during this and future decades.

Development of this program was made possible by a major grant awarded to the College of Charleston by the State Justice Institute. An advisory board of judges, court administrators and professional interpreters, together with a number of consultants, provided guided input during the initial development of the curriculum.

Commendation of Excellence awarded to the Program for Legal Interpreting: "The program fills a very real void of great importance for people who have difficulty with a legal system that is very new to them, not only in South Carolina, but indeed throughout the nation."
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, November 2001