What is the Role of an Interpreter in Court?

However efficient you are in speaking or writing English in your day-to-day work, you may still fumble in the courtroom as the language used in court is very different from our regular language. A court interpreter helps us to understand the court language and communicate your point of view in front of the judge.

What Do Interpreters Do in Court?

Interpreters work with several professional and social organizations including the courtrooms. The interpreters are also known as professional linguists. They can translate the speech or convert the sign language into another language simultaneously during the court proceedings. The interpreter also translates the legal documents into an understandable document for the participants. A person who does not speak English can hire an interpreter to participate in legal proceedings in courtrooms.

What is The Role of an Interpreter in Court

Real-Time Interpreting

In most of the court, a simultaneous interpreting process is followed. In this process, the interpreter wears a set of headphones including a microphone and interprets through a wireless connection to the client who is also wearing the headphones with a mic.

The interpreter has to wait until the speaker completes a sentence or present their point. After that interpreter interprets the speech. In this process sometimes the interpreter also takes shorthand notes to recall the sentence. The interpreter not only interprets the exact meaning of the speech but also conveys it in the exact tone and style of the speaker.

Sight Reading/Translation

Sometimes court interpreters ask for sight-read. In this process, interpreters read the documents loudly in an understandable language different than the actual language written in the document. This requires a great understanding of the legal terms and also need a focus on each detail.

Do Interpreters Need to Follow Any Rules in the Court?

Generally, there are some set of rules that must be followed by every interpreter in the courtroom. Some of them are:

1. The interpreter must repeat exactly like the speaker. They should not add or remove anything.
2. They cannot give any advice and also cannot discuss anything about the case.
3. Interpreters cannot explain what is going on in court. The judge, lawyer, or other court officials should explain the details to you. If you do not get the details you have to raise a question. The interpreter can then interpret your question in English.
4. The interpreter may also take shorthand notes to recall the proceedings of the court anytime.

Final Word

A qualified interpreter helps you to simplify the court proceedings.  Many professional organizations can provide a court interpreter to help you in legal proceedings.