Court Interpreter Written Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Court Interpreter Written Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified What is the primary duty of a court interpreter? To accurately and impartially interpret spoken or signed communication between parties in a legal setting What does it mean to interpret consecutively in a courtroom setting? The interpreter listens to a speaker and renders the message in the target language after the speaker pauses What does “sight translation” mean in legal interpreting? Reading a document written in one language and orally translating it into another on the spot What should a court interpreter do if they do not understand a legal term? Ask the judge for clarification before interpreting the term What is the ethical response if a defendant asks the interpreter for legal advice? 2 Politely decline and inform the person that interpreters cannot give legal advice What does “source language” mean in court interpreting? The language from which the interpreter is translating What does “target language” mean in court interpreting? The language into which the interpreter is translating What should an interpreter do if the witness speaks too quickly to interpret accurately? Ask the court to instruct the witness to speak more slowly What action should an interpreter take when they realize they made a mistake during interpretation? Immediately inform the court and correct the error What is the interpreter’s role when a witness gives a non-responsive answer? Interpret exactly what the witness said without editing or summarizing 3 What is the best way to maintain neutrality as a court interpreter? Avoid any personal opinions or contact with the parties involved What should an interpreter do if they are asked to interpret for someone they know personally? Disclose the conflict of interest to the court immediately What does the term “consecutive interpretation” mean? Rendering interpretation after each complete thought or sentence What is “simultaneous interpretation” in a courtroom context? Interpreting spoken language in real-time while the speaker continues talking What is the correct response if a party in the courtroom uses slang or idioms? Interpret the meaning faithfully and appropriately in the target language What should an interpreter do if a speaker uses a dialect they are not fluent in? Inform the court and request a replacement interpreter 4 What does “register” mean in interpretation? The level of formality or style of speech used by the speaker What is expected from the interpreter when interpreting legal