Court Interpreting Idioms Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Court Interpreting Idioms Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified What does the idiom “to take the stand” mean in court interpreting? To testify as a witness in court What does “beyond a reasonable doubt” mean? The level of certainty required to convict in a criminal case What does “the ball is in your court” imply during legal negotiations? It is now your responsibility to take action What does “open and shut case” mean in legal proceedings? A case that is very straightforward with clear evidence What does the phrase “on the record” mean in court interpreting? Officially documented in court proceedings 2 What does “to hold in contempt” mean in a courtroom? To charge someone with disobeying or disrespecting the court What does “settle out of court” mean? To resolve a case without going to trial What does “due process” mean in a legal context? Fair treatment through the normal judicial system What does “a hung jury” refer to? A jury that cannot reach a unanimous decision What does “to pass judgment” mean? To make a legal or moral decision about someone’s actions What does “to strike from the record” mean in court? To remove testimony or evidence from official records 3 What does “to plead the Fifth” mean in legal interpreting? To refuse to answer a question to avoid self-incrimination What does “in chambers” refer to? A private meeting between the judge and attorneys, usually in the judge’s office What does “in good faith” mean in legal usage? Acting with honest intentions What does “rest my case” mean? The lawyer has finished presenting their argument What does “throw the book at someone” mean? To punish someone as severely as possible under the law What does “above the law” mean? Believing one is not subject to legal rules, often used negatively 4 What does “a slap on the wrist” mean in legal context? A very light punishment for a serious offense