Court interpreters

What is the Role of a Court Interpreter?
By Paola Jiménez Bolaños

For courts, interpreting is the unbiased oral translation of testimony, documents, instructions, rulings of the court and arguments of attorneys, by a qualified neutral interpreter, so that a court or jury might correctly determine the facts of the case at hand.

Interpreter's Checklist: Just as interpreters expect understanding of and respect for their role in the proceedings, the court expects interpreters to follow certain practices:

• Arrive at the designated location early and check-in with the appropriate person (judge, clerk or bailiff).
• Orient yourself to the nature of the case by reviewing the file.
• Review all documents or exhibits that will be translated or described during the hearing.
• Meet with attorneys and their client. Explain to the attorney what is being said, and in the presence of the attorney, speak with the client to confirm the ability to communicate and to explain the neutral role of an interpreter. Identify regionalisms, slang or technical language that may be used in the proceeding.
• Be prepared to interrupt proceedings if necessary to ask the judge for permission to have questions or answers repeated, use a dictionary or other aid, etc.
• Be familiar with the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters included in this handbook (North Dakota Court Interpreter's Handbook).

These expectations are not only to be met by Court Interpreters, but by all kinds of interpreters, since punctuality, beforehand preparation, meeting with the client or speaker to orient yourself with the matter you will interpret are nothing but the basic ethics an interpreter shall follow.