Pro Bono

Since Adam did not speak English, he asked the Department of Safety to let him use a translator at his own expense for the written test. The Department refused, although Tennessee law would have permitted Adam to use a translator if he spoke Spanish, Korean, or Japanese. No other translations are permitted. LAET Pro Bono Project staff referred the case to Melinda Meador. She agreed to challenge the constitutionality of the Tennessee statute if she was unable to negotiate a settlement that would permit Adam to use a translator. Ultimately, the Department agreed to let take his driving test with a translator’s assistance.