Court interpretation is exceptionally interesting and challenging at the same time especially when we talk in the context of representing defendants in terms of speaking their native language.
1:
Although, we as court interpreters are trained to be unbiased, neutral and impartial, yet there is a need to understand the logic behind this impartiality. As a matter of fact, court room setting are mostly very formal, procedural and tense when it comes to litigation of inmates. Pay special attention to the context of specific terminology when judge and/ or opposite counsels are referring to legal codes, statutes and state/ federal jurisdictions. One omission or addition and execution of sensitive mistake can alter the fate of concerned party. However, detailed study and understanding of legal concepts and procedures could result in successful command while working under such stressful environments.
2:
Here, conflict of laws among different jurisdictions/ state laws should be taken into consideration while working in federal courts. Every state has different laws/ statutes with regards to family law, child-support procedures, and contractual agreements etc. As a matter of law, always try to get specific guidelines from defendant's counsel for whom you are going to interpret. This way you will be well aware of what your LEP is expecting you to speak on their behalf in court. Obviously, they don't want you to guess or estimate the meaning of sensitive legal terms and procedures. Precise, to-the-point and exact conveyance of their message is the ultimate goal an interpreter should aim for under sensitive circumstances.
3:
Generally, defendants tend to speak in narrative, extended and prolonged paragraphs in order to impress and persuade judges. Court interpreters should always try to provide some guidelines to the witnesses as to how to respond to the questions posed by judges or/ and opposite counsels. As a matter of fact, "yes" or "no" answers are expected from witnesses and defendants but in case they are not aware of this rule, then it is the responsibility of the interpreter to guide them in their native language in order to save the court's time.
4:
There is huge difference in traditional and modern approach when it comes to traditional in-person interpretation and modern day virtual interpretation assignments. Although virtual depositions and hearings of witnesses/ inmates in imprisonment are conducted in enclosed cells where they don't have to be in the actual presence of judges and counsels but basic criterion of back and forth correct conveyance of dialogue is true essence of the procedure. With the permission of court, try to make witnesses understand the basic protocol of interpretation i.e., pause between taking turns and how to avoid volunteering unrelated, out-of-context and irrelevant information. However, interpreter's job is to help convey the message and not to give any kind of suggestion, opinion or emotional gestures under any circumstances.
5:
Last but not the least, I will strongly recommend that court interpreters should feel obligated to the duty of care, loyalty and fiduciary performance when it comes to speaking for those who can not speak for themselves. The preferred mode of interpretation i.e., simultaneous interpretation or in other words, speaking while listening requires practice so that brain should be trained to capture this mode as their second nature. In order to keep up with the speed of speaker, the interpreter can use short names, terms and acronyms. Although it's a bit challenging but positive collaboration between two interpreters who are taking turns during court interpretation could result in overall success. Both consecutive and simultaneous modes require interpreters to develop bilingual glossaries related to criminal procedure codes and statutes and practice this task while listening to videos of court proceedings in both source and target languages.
United States