Court Interpreter Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the role of a court interpreter in legal proceedings?
✔✔ To accurately and impartially convey spoken or signed messages between languages without
adding, omitting, or altering meaning
What should an interpreter do if they do not understand a term used in court?
✔✔ Ask for clarification before continuing interpretation
What is the correct action if the interpreter hears a mistranslation during a proceeding?
✔✔ Interrupt respectfully and correct the error on record
What must a court interpreter avoid during interpretation?
✔✔ Offering legal advice or personal opinions
What is sight translation in a court setting?
✔✔ Orally translating a written document in real time
1
,What should an interpreter do if a witness speaks in a dialect the interpreter cannot fully
understand?
✔✔ Inform the court immediately and request a more suitable interpreter
What is consecutive interpretation?
✔✔ Interpreting after the speaker has paused or completed a sentence or thought
What is simultaneous interpretation?
✔✔ Interpreting at the same time as the speaker, with a slight delay
What is the ethical obligation of confidentiality for interpreters?
✔✔ All interpreted content must remain strictly confidential
What is the proper way to interpret vulgar or offensive language?
✔✔ Interpret it exactly as stated, without softening or omitting the terms
What is the correct protocol if an attorney speaks too quickly during interpretation?
2
,✔✔ Ask the attorney to slow down for accurate interpretation
What does the interpreter’s oath typically require?
✔✔ That the interpreter will render a true and impartial interpretation to the best of their skill
What should be done if the interpreter feels emotionally affected by the case?
✔✔ Notify the court or supervisor and request a replacement if necessary
How should technical legal terms be handled during interpretation?
✔✔ Use the correct equivalent in the target language or ask for clarification if unsure
What should the interpreter do if a non-English speaker begins talking directly to them about the
case?
✔✔ Remind them to speak through the interpreter and continue interpreting everything said
What is the best practice when two speakers talk at once during a hearing?
✔✔ Ask for one person to speak at a time to ensure accurate interpretation
3
, What is the interpreter’s role when interpreting attorney-client privileged communication?
✔✔ Maintain complete confidentiality and interpret without recording or summarizing
When is it appropriate for an interpreter to offer cultural context?
✔✔ Only when asked by the court and when it directly affects understanding of the statement
What is a dual-role interpreter in a court setting?
✔✔ Someone who interprets and performs another role, like clerk or bailiff, which is generally
discouraged
What action must be taken if the interpreter realizes they have made an error?
✔✔ Immediately notify the court and provide the correct interpretation
What is a peremptory challenge, and how should it be interpreted?
✔✔ A party’s right to dismiss a juror without stating a reason; it should be interpreted literally
and clearly
What is the interpreter’s responsibility during depositions?
4
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the role of a court interpreter in legal proceedings?
✔✔ To accurately and impartially convey spoken or signed messages between languages without
adding, omitting, or altering meaning
What should an interpreter do if they do not understand a term used in court?
✔✔ Ask for clarification before continuing interpretation
What is the correct action if the interpreter hears a mistranslation during a proceeding?
✔✔ Interrupt respectfully and correct the error on record
What must a court interpreter avoid during interpretation?
✔✔ Offering legal advice or personal opinions
What is sight translation in a court setting?
✔✔ Orally translating a written document in real time
1
,What should an interpreter do if a witness speaks in a dialect the interpreter cannot fully
understand?
✔✔ Inform the court immediately and request a more suitable interpreter
What is consecutive interpretation?
✔✔ Interpreting after the speaker has paused or completed a sentence or thought
What is simultaneous interpretation?
✔✔ Interpreting at the same time as the speaker, with a slight delay
What is the ethical obligation of confidentiality for interpreters?
✔✔ All interpreted content must remain strictly confidential
What is the proper way to interpret vulgar or offensive language?
✔✔ Interpret it exactly as stated, without softening or omitting the terms
What is the correct protocol if an attorney speaks too quickly during interpretation?
2
,✔✔ Ask the attorney to slow down for accurate interpretation
What does the interpreter’s oath typically require?
✔✔ That the interpreter will render a true and impartial interpretation to the best of their skill
What should be done if the interpreter feels emotionally affected by the case?
✔✔ Notify the court or supervisor and request a replacement if necessary
How should technical legal terms be handled during interpretation?
✔✔ Use the correct equivalent in the target language or ask for clarification if unsure
What should the interpreter do if a non-English speaker begins talking directly to them about the
case?
✔✔ Remind them to speak through the interpreter and continue interpreting everything said
What is the best practice when two speakers talk at once during a hearing?
✔✔ Ask for one person to speak at a time to ensure accurate interpretation
3
, What is the interpreter’s role when interpreting attorney-client privileged communication?
✔✔ Maintain complete confidentiality and interpret without recording or summarizing
When is it appropriate for an interpreter to offer cultural context?
✔✔ Only when asked by the court and when it directly affects understanding of the statement
What is a dual-role interpreter in a court setting?
✔✔ Someone who interprets and performs another role, like clerk or bailiff, which is generally
discouraged
What action must be taken if the interpreter realizes they have made an error?
✔✔ Immediately notify the court and provide the correct interpretation
What is a peremptory challenge, and how should it be interpreted?
✔✔ A party’s right to dismiss a juror without stating a reason; it should be interpreted literally
and clearly
What is the interpreter’s responsibility during depositions?
4
