Frequently Asked Questions About Court Interpreting
What is a court interpreter?
A court interpreter is a person who interprets from English to another language and vice versa in a court proceeding. Court interpreting services may be needed for a criminal defendant, a witness, a party in a lawsuit, or another person involved in court who speaks or understands little or no English. Court interpreters are also sometimes responsible for translating written documents, often of a legal nature, from English into the target language and from the target language into English.
What is the role of the court interpreter?
The interpreter's role is to render a complete and accurate interpretation (oral) or translation (written), without altering, omitting, or adding anything to what is stated or written, and without explanation. In essence, the interpreter serves as a bridge between whoever is speaking--the judge, attorney, witness, etc.--and the non-English speaking person, so that the non-English speaking person hears in his own language everything that is being said in English. If a non-English speaking person testifies in court, it is also the interpreter's job to interpret everything that person says into English so that everyone in the courtroom hears it in English.
"Interpret" in this context does not mean explain. It means providing an equivalent meaning in the target language as the one stated in the source language. It is not the job of the interpreter to explain anything independent of what is being said by participants in the courtroom proceedings. It is not the interpreter's job to give advice to or otherwise counsel the non-English speaker in court, and it would be unethical for the interpreter to provide services other than interpreting from one language to another.
What kinds of skills does it take to be a court interpreter?
Being bilingual is not sufficient. The level of expertise required for court interpreting is much greater than that required in everyday conversation. In addition to having a thorough command of English and the other language, a court interpreter must be able to deal with the specialized language of judges and attorneys, as well as with the street slang of witnesses and the technical jargon of police officers, expert witnesses, etc. A court interpreter must be able to interpret accurately for individuals with a high level of education and a large vocabulary, as well as for persons with very limited language skills, without changing the language register of the speaker. The interpreter must also possess excellent mental skills, including the ability to accurately convert the source language into the target language, and vice versa, often with only an instant to choose the equivalent words and phrases. In addition, it's very helpful for a court interpreter to have good public speaking and interpersonal skills. If the court testimony to be interpreted is shocking or traumatic, the interpreter must be able to perform the interpreting function without reacting or becoming emotionally involved. The interpreter must understand the interpreter's role; that is, the interpreter cannot express personal opinions or be an advocate for one side or the other in a court case. The interpreter must be able to work well under pressure and react quickly to solve complex linguistic and ethical problems as they arise. A good court interpreter must continually strive to improve his/her skills by reading from a wide variety of sources, researching new terms and concepts, and improving interpreting techniques.
How great is the need for court interpreters in Utah, and what are the employment opportunities?
Utah's linguistic minorities are increasing in number, and Utah's courts are experiencing a rapidly growing need for interpreters in all areas of the state. Interpreters are used in District Court, Juvenile Court and in the Justice Courts in every area of the state. Currently, there are no full-time staff interpreter positions in Utah's courts. Interpreters work freelance, as independent contractors. After being certified, or approved, their names are placed on a list and they are called by the individual courts to work on an as-needed basis. In large, urban courts, some interpreters are able to work many hours each day. In smaller courts, there are fewer opportunities. In the large, urban courts along the Wasatch Front, except in rare instances, only certified Spanish interpreters are called upon to interpret. However, approved Spanish interpreters and approved interpreters in other languages will have opportunities in the rural courts.
What is required to work in Utah as a court interpreter?
The following requirements are set forth in Rule 3-306, Code of Judicial Administration:
CERTIFICATION:
Courts are required to use certified interpreters unless one is not reasonably available. Currently, Utah has a certification process only in the Spanish language (which comprises approximately 85% of the courts' interpreting needs).
To become certified, an interpreter must:
- Submit an application to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Pass a written English/Spanish diagnostic test.
- Complete a 2-day certification orientation workshop provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts (discussed below).
- Complete a 5-day skill building workshop.
- Pass the state certification exam. The exam tests the interpreter's skills in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation of court proceedings and sight translation of documents. It also includes a written test which measures the applicant's knowledge of the Code of Professional Responsibility (ethics) for court interpreters.
- Observe ten hours of interpreted court proceedings.
When is the certification program offered?
The training and testing for Spanish certification are offered usually once a year. Please note: an interpreter MUST pass the English/Spanish diagnostic test and take the certification orientation workshop offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts before being allowed to take the certification test. (Please see below for a description of the training).
How much does it cost?
The current fee for the English Diagnostic test is $25. The current fee for the orientation workshop is $100. The current fee for the skill building workshops is $150. The current fee for the exam is $200 (Utah residents) and $400 (non-residents) for the entire exam.
What about certification in the Federal Courts?
In Utah, federally-certified interpreters can apply for state certification status. Federally certified interpreters are not required to pass the state certification exam, but must complete all of the other requirements listed above for state-certification status. (Please see information below on how to inquire about federal certification through the National Center for State Courts Interpreter Certification Consortium).
APPROVAL
For languages other than Spanish, and in areas of the state where certified interpreters are not reasonably available, an approval process for court interpreters is used. To become approved, an interpreter must do the following:
- Complete a standard application form.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Pass a written English diagnostic test.
- Complete a court interpreter training course (minimum of one day), offered by the AOC (free of charge).
- Pass the written exam on the Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters.
- Complete 10 hours of observation of in-court interpreting.
The names of Approved Interpreters are placed on a list and posted on the courts website.
CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
In an emergency situation, when no certified or approved interpreters are reasonably available, an interpreter may be conditionally approved by the court. The interpreter must answer questions posed by the judge or designee in the court where the interpreter needs to provide services. These questions address the interpreter's background, level of education, and experience as an interpreter. The interpreter also must read the Code of Professional Responsibility for court interpreters. If the interpreter's responses to the questions are deemed satisfactory by the court, the interpreter may be conditionally approved to interpret on a one-time basis. Their name does not go on a list for future use.
What kind of training is required to become a court interpreter?
Court interpreting requires extensive knowledge and skill, and is a very demanding job. Even people who are fluent in two languages often do not have a sufficient command of both languages, sufficient legal and technical vocabulary in both languages, or skill in the various modes of interpreting (simultaneous and consecutive) to interpret in a courtroom setting. Therefore, training as well as group work and self-study is needed.
Certification Training offered by the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts.
Each year, the Administrative Office provides training workshops for interpreters who want to become certified in the Spanish language. The workshops are held two full days, and provide orientation to the field of court interpreting, as well as many valuable tools for self-study. However, of necessity, the workshops cannot provide sufficient skills-based training to prepare most people adequately to take the certification exam. The training usually must be followed up with some very intensive individual work by the interpreter. To allow interpreters time to practice their skills and prepare, several months are provided between the workshops and the exams.Non-Language Specific Workshops for "Approved" Interpreters.
The Administrative Office offers other workshops each year, which are non-language specific and are designed for persons desiring to become approved to interpret in Utah's Courts. These workshops are one day in length, and encompass court protocol, interpreter ethics, and English legal terminology. It also provides students with many self-study techniques they can use to improve their skills.Training by private companies.
Some private companies offer training for interpreters. These courses may help an interpreter improve interpreting knowledge and skills. However, for purposes of approval or certification in the Utah Courts, these courses may not be substituted for the workshop offered by the Administrative Office. The Administrative Office is not affiliated with nor does it endorse any private agencies which provide interpreter training.
How much are court interpreters paid in Utah?
Following are the rates for interpreter services provided in the State (District and Juvenile) Courts. The rates paid by local (Justice) courts may vary depending on the policies of the local government entity.
Certified interpreters: $38.63/hour
Approved interpreters in languages for which there is no certification program: $33.10/hour
Approved interpreters in languages for which there is a certification program: $24.82/hour
Conditionally Approved Interpreters shall receive an hourly rate of $24.82 in languages for which there is no certification program and $18.03 in languages for which there is a certification program.
Interpreters who are not certified, approved, or conditionally approved shall not receive payment.
Travel Expenses
Interpreters are paid a one-hour guaranteed fee if they travel 0 to 25 miles one way to an interpreter assignment. If they travel between 26 and 75 miles one way to an interpreter assignment, they are paid a two-hour guaranteed fee. If they travel over 75 miles one way to an interpreter assignment, they are paid a four-hour guaranteed fee.
Court interpreters working in the state courts receive travel expenses similar to those received by state employees.
How do courts identify certified and "approved" court interpreters?
The Administrative Office of the Courts posts a list of certified and approved interpreters on the courts' web site. Certified interpreters receive photo-identification badges, which they must wear during all court interpreting assignments.
Where can I obtain more information about becoming a court interpreter?
For further information on how to register for the program to become Utah State certified, or who to contact at your local courthouse to become approved, please call the Administrative Office of the Courts at (801) 578-3800.
It might be helpful for you to observe court sessions at your local courthouse for an idea of the kinds of proceedings in which an interpreter would be expected to work, and you may be able to observe a court interpreter at work.
You may also want to refer to the web site for the National Center for State Courts Interpreter Consortium.
What about interpreters for the hearing impaired?
In Utah, the courts do not administer the program (either certification or assignment) for interpreters for the hearing impaired. For information, please visit the website managed by the Utah Interpreter Program (through the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation). The website is located at http://www.aslterps.utah.gov. Click on either "Certified Interpreter List" or "Interpreter Agencies."
Return to Top