Metro news for Friday

Ga. legal system overhauls court interpreter rules

The Supreme Court of Georgia Commission on Interpreters said Wednesday has revised its rules to comply with federal laws designed to ensure equal access to the courts.

The new rules require language help at information counters, some mediation programs, detention centers and other court-managed functions. Georgia Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton said the change is designed to provide meaningful access to the courts for non-English speakers.

There are now 158 interpreters certified, registered or approved to serve Georgia's 159 counties. A commission was created in 2003 to establish a statewide plan for the use of interpreters in state courts.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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The 2011 Southeast Homeschool Expo will be held today and Saturday at Cobb Galleria Centre.

The conference features home education workshops with national speakers, a college fair and vendors. Parents can get help on teaching early learners, struggling students and high school teens.

Registration at the door for $30 a person or $35 for two parents. Children under 18 are free to accompany parents to workshops and the exhibit hall. The Cobb Galleria Centre is located at Two Galleria Parkway in Atlanta.

For more information, visit www.southeasthomeschoolexpo.com.

D. Aileen Dodd

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Office supply store Staples, will hold a Teacher Appreciation Day 9 a.m. -- noon Saturday. The first 100 teachers will receive a reusable lunch bag filled with pens, eraser caps, note tabs, a one-subject notebook, glue sticks and sticky notes. Information: www.staples.com

MICHELLE E. SHAW

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