Court Interpreter Written Exam –
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What does the term “voir dire” mean in legal proceedings?
✔✔ A preliminary examination of a witness or juror by a judge or counsel
What should a court interpreter do when a term has no direct equivalent in the target language?
✔✔ Use a clear explanation or paraphrase while maintaining accuracy
What is the proper role of a court interpreter in a legal proceeding?
✔✔ To provide complete, accurate, and impartial interpretation of all spoken communication
What is meant by the term “consecutive interpretation”?
✔✔ Interpretation rendered after the speaker has finished a segment of speech
What is meant by “simultaneous interpretation”?
✔✔ Interpretation delivered at the same time as the speaker is talking
1
,What should an interpreter do when they do not understand a word or phrase?
✔✔ Ask for clarification without altering or omitting any part of the message
What does “sight translation” involve in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Orally translating a written document from the source to the target language on the spot
What is the interpreter’s duty if the defendant speaks a dialect they do not understand?
✔✔ Inform the court and request an interpreter fluent in that dialect
What does “source language” mean in interpretation?
✔✔ The original language spoken before interpretation
What does “target language” refer to?
✔✔ The language into which interpretation is rendered
What does “due process” mean in legal terms?
✔✔ The fair treatment of individuals through the judicial system as guaranteed by law
2
,What should an interpreter do if a witness starts to speak directly to them?
✔✔ Politely remind the witness to speak to the court, not to the interpreter
What is the appropriate action if a lawyer asks the interpreter to summarize a witness statement?
✔✔ Decline and explain that interpreters must interpret everything verbatim
What is the interpreter’s obligation regarding confidentiality?
✔✔ Maintain strict confidentiality of all information learned during proceedings
What should the interpreter do if a party uses offensive or inappropriate language?
✔✔ Interpret the words exactly as said, without omission or alteration
What should an interpreter do if they detect a conflict of interest with a party in the case?
✔✔ Immediately disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from the case
What is the term for a judge’s official order to do or not do something?
✔✔ Injunction ✔✔
3
, What does “objection sustained” mean?
✔✔ The judge agrees with the objection and disallows the statement or question
What does “objection overruled” mean?
✔✔ The judge does not agree with the objection and allows the statement or question
What is the interpreter’s role during attorney-client private consultations?
✔✔ To interpret only what is said without adding, omitting, or advising
What is the appropriate reaction if someone in court requests the interpreter’s opinion?
✔✔ Politely refuse, as interpreters must remain impartial and uninvolved
What does the legal term “perjury” mean?
✔✔ Lying under oath during official proceedings
What should an interpreter do if they are fatigued and feel accuracy is compromised?
✔✔ Request a break or relief to maintain performance quality and ethics
4
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What does the term “voir dire” mean in legal proceedings?
✔✔ A preliminary examination of a witness or juror by a judge or counsel
What should a court interpreter do when a term has no direct equivalent in the target language?
✔✔ Use a clear explanation or paraphrase while maintaining accuracy
What is the proper role of a court interpreter in a legal proceeding?
✔✔ To provide complete, accurate, and impartial interpretation of all spoken communication
What is meant by the term “consecutive interpretation”?
✔✔ Interpretation rendered after the speaker has finished a segment of speech
What is meant by “simultaneous interpretation”?
✔✔ Interpretation delivered at the same time as the speaker is talking
1
,What should an interpreter do when they do not understand a word or phrase?
✔✔ Ask for clarification without altering or omitting any part of the message
What does “sight translation” involve in a courtroom setting?
✔✔ Orally translating a written document from the source to the target language on the spot
What is the interpreter’s duty if the defendant speaks a dialect they do not understand?
✔✔ Inform the court and request an interpreter fluent in that dialect
What does “source language” mean in interpretation?
✔✔ The original language spoken before interpretation
What does “target language” refer to?
✔✔ The language into which interpretation is rendered
What does “due process” mean in legal terms?
✔✔ The fair treatment of individuals through the judicial system as guaranteed by law
2
,What should an interpreter do if a witness starts to speak directly to them?
✔✔ Politely remind the witness to speak to the court, not to the interpreter
What is the appropriate action if a lawyer asks the interpreter to summarize a witness statement?
✔✔ Decline and explain that interpreters must interpret everything verbatim
What is the interpreter’s obligation regarding confidentiality?
✔✔ Maintain strict confidentiality of all information learned during proceedings
What should the interpreter do if a party uses offensive or inappropriate language?
✔✔ Interpret the words exactly as said, without omission or alteration
What should an interpreter do if they detect a conflict of interest with a party in the case?
✔✔ Immediately disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from the case
What is the term for a judge’s official order to do or not do something?
✔✔ Injunction ✔✔
3
, What does “objection sustained” mean?
✔✔ The judge agrees with the objection and disallows the statement or question
What does “objection overruled” mean?
✔✔ The judge does not agree with the objection and allows the statement or question
What is the interpreter’s role during attorney-client private consultations?
✔✔ To interpret only what is said without adding, omitting, or advising
What is the appropriate reaction if someone in court requests the interpreter’s opinion?
✔✔ Politely refuse, as interpreters must remain impartial and uninvolved
What does the legal term “perjury” mean?
✔✔ Lying under oath during official proceedings
What should an interpreter do if they are fatigued and feel accuracy is compromised?
✔✔ Request a break or relief to maintain performance quality and ethics
4
