| For the interpreter or translator venturing into a court | | | | proceedings. |
| for the first time the process can be somewhat | | | | 6) If there is going to be any evidence used in the |
| daunting. Court hearings have their own nuances and | | | | hearing or particular witnesses examined, ensure you |
| particularities the interpreter may not appreciate if | | | | are fully aware of what it is or who they are. |
| their experience is mainly from the health or business | | | | 7) When interpreting be sure to speak loudly and |
| world. | | | | clearly for all to hear. Be aware that you are allowed |
| Below are ten simple tips to help an interpreter for | | | | to stop proceedings at any time to ask for |
| their first day in court. | | | | clarification or for people to slow down. If you need |
| 1) Before attending the assignment make sure you | | | | larger gaps between segment of speeches ask the |
| have the court name, court room number, case | | | | judge to ensure this takes place. Your role is crucial in |
| hearing name and also the defendant's name as well | | | | proceedings to be sure that you can do the job |
| as the solicitor/barrister's. | | | | properly and effectively. |
| 2) If there is what is called a 'trial bundle' ask if you | | | | 8) When interpreting do not veer from literal |
| are able to review it. This will set out what the trial is | | | | translations. In some contexts translating what has |
| about and each side's (prosecution or defence) | | | | been said subjectively may be appropriate but in a |
| arguments. | | | | legal environment everything must be translated |
| 3) For court interpreting you should always be | | | | even if it very uncomfortable to do so. |
| dressed smartly as you are attending and | | | | 9) Remember you are there to support someone in |
| representing both the translation company as well as | | | | most cases who may not be able to fully follow |
| the defence/prosecution (depending upon which side | | | | what is happening due to the language barrier. Try |
| you are working for). | | | | your best to keep them up to speed with |
| 4) Be sure you arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to the | | | | proceedings, explain decisions and most importantly |
| start time of the assignment. This ensures you are | | | | give them the chance to ask questions of their |
| able to be prompt in case of a delay or change of | | | | counsel. |
| court number. | | | | 10) In cases that are undecided or run on, you may |
| 5) Before the trial starts take time to speak the | | | | be required to attend the court a following day or |
| person you are interpreting for and to be briefed on | | | | possibly at another time. Ensure the translation |
| the background to the trial. Make sure you ask | | | | agency that booked you is made aware of this. |
| questions so you are sure of your role in the | | | | |