Thousands of people seek judicial services on a daily basis. It is unfortunate that a significant percentage of them are not conversant with the English language leave alone legal terminologies. A court interpreter translates the language of a client into English. Without the services of these professionals, it would be almost impossible for the judiciary to attend to such persons. That said, here some of the things to know in regards to the roles of a court interpreter.
Job description of a court interpreter
A court interpreter is hired solely for helping clients with difficulty in speaking fluent English. These professionals must be familiar with several languages. They must be exact and precise while interpreting cases. For instance, they should deliver messages using the exact tonal variation used by the client and avoid any omissions. More to this, a court interpreter should be familiar with all terminologies used in the judiciary.
Duties of these professional
In most cases, interpretations are done orally. Interpretations can be either simultaneous or consecutive. In simultaneous translation, a court interpreter speaks as the witness or defendant is speaking. This type of interpretation can be used in a judicial system but in rare occasions. On the other hand, in consecutive interpretation, an interpreter will only speak after the client has finished putting across his or her point. In this interpretation system, an interpreter is required to put down shorthand notes. This ensures that translation is accurate and without any omission.
Work setting
An interpreter works in a judicial setup or a courtroom. He or she works with legal persons, defendants, families, and witnesses. In some cases, these professionals will be required to work in an attorney-client -meeting. Depending on the work at hand, these professionals can deliver services during regular working hours or even work overtime. In a government setup, a court interpreter may be required to work for long hours depending on workload. On the other hand, if an interpreter is self-employed or a freelancer, he or she has the freedom to work at his or her own convenient time.
Work ethic
Like any other profession, judicial interpreters too are governed by laws. An interpreter is required to be confidential, impartial, accurate, certified, and educated. With this in place, he or she will not be at loggerheads with the authorities.
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