Court Interpreter Written Exam
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main duty of a court interpreter during a hearing?
✔✔ To render accurate and complete interpretation without omissions, additions, or alterations
What is consecutive interpretation in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Interpretation that occurs after the speaker has finished speaking
What is the ethical response when an interpreter knows one of the parties involved in a case?
✔✔ Disclose the relationship and recuse oneself if necessary
What should an interpreter do if they do not understand a legal term used in court?
✔✔ Ask for clarification before interpreting it
What is the best way to maintain neutrality as a court interpreter?
✔✔ Avoid any expression of personal opinion or reaction during proceedings
1
,What is sight translation in legal interpretation?
✔✔ Oral translation of a written document on the spot
What should an interpreter do if a witness starts speaking in a dialect the interpreter is unfamiliar
with?
✔✔ Inform the judge and request a qualified interpreter for that dialect
What is the meaning of the legal term “subpoena”?
✔✔ A written order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence
Why must court interpreters avoid summarizing statements?
✔✔ Summarizing can omit or change the meaning, which violates accuracy standards
What is the correct way for an interpreter to refer to themselves in court?
✔✔ In the third person (e.g., "The interpreter requests clarification")
What is the proper response when a non-English speaker asks for legal advice?
✔✔ Inform them that the interpreter cannot provide legal advice
2
, What should an interpreter do if the attorney speaks too quickly to interpret accurately?
✔✔ Ask the attorney to pause or slow down to ensure accurate interpretation
What is the interpreter's obligation regarding confidentiality?
✔✔ Maintain the confidentiality of all interpreted communications
What does the legal term “plea bargain” mean?
✔✔ An agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence
What is the interpreter’s role during a sidebar conference between the judge and attorneys?
✔✔ Interpret only if the non-English-speaking party is included and needs interpretation
Why is it important to use first-person speech when interpreting in court?
✔✔ It maintains clarity and keeps the speaker’s voice in the interpretation
What should the interpreter do if they detect a mistake in their previous interpretation?
✔✔ Notify the court and correct the error promptly
3
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main duty of a court interpreter during a hearing?
✔✔ To render accurate and complete interpretation without omissions, additions, or alterations
What is consecutive interpretation in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Interpretation that occurs after the speaker has finished speaking
What is the ethical response when an interpreter knows one of the parties involved in a case?
✔✔ Disclose the relationship and recuse oneself if necessary
What should an interpreter do if they do not understand a legal term used in court?
✔✔ Ask for clarification before interpreting it
What is the best way to maintain neutrality as a court interpreter?
✔✔ Avoid any expression of personal opinion or reaction during proceedings
1
,What is sight translation in legal interpretation?
✔✔ Oral translation of a written document on the spot
What should an interpreter do if a witness starts speaking in a dialect the interpreter is unfamiliar
with?
✔✔ Inform the judge and request a qualified interpreter for that dialect
What is the meaning of the legal term “subpoena”?
✔✔ A written order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence
Why must court interpreters avoid summarizing statements?
✔✔ Summarizing can omit or change the meaning, which violates accuracy standards
What is the correct way for an interpreter to refer to themselves in court?
✔✔ In the third person (e.g., "The interpreter requests clarification")
What is the proper response when a non-English speaker asks for legal advice?
✔✔ Inform them that the interpreter cannot provide legal advice
2
, What should an interpreter do if the attorney speaks too quickly to interpret accurately?
✔✔ Ask the attorney to pause or slow down to ensure accurate interpretation
What is the interpreter's obligation regarding confidentiality?
✔✔ Maintain the confidentiality of all interpreted communications
What does the legal term “plea bargain” mean?
✔✔ An agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence
What is the interpreter’s role during a sidebar conference between the judge and attorneys?
✔✔ Interpret only if the non-English-speaking party is included and needs interpretation
Why is it important to use first-person speech when interpreting in court?
✔✔ It maintains clarity and keeps the speaker’s voice in the interpretation
What should the interpreter do if they detect a mistake in their previous interpretation?
✔✔ Notify the court and correct the error promptly
3
