The Crucial Role of Professional Interpretation Services in Courtrooms

Interpretation services involve the verbal translation of content from one language into another. Several industries require the services of interpreters. Industries like healthcare and finance regularly employ interpreters to eliminate language barriers. Similarly, interpretation services play a significant role in courtroom proceedings. 

Legal proceedings have many complications on their own, add in the language barriers and it becomes even more difficult to communicate. 

Assurance of Justice Served 

Everyone has the right to a fair and just trial. In order to ensure that all parties involved stand on the same ground, it is important to facilitate the participants. Furthermore, professional interpretation services can help in ensure that all aspects are communicated clearly to the non-native participants. As a result, the scope of confusion is eliminated, making it more feasible to come to a just decision.  

Diversity of Language Present in Courtroom

Language barriers are not only a restriction to defendants, there are multiple people in the proceedings of the court cases that might require interpretation services. A non-native can be the plaintiff, a jury member who has a deciding vote on the trial’s outcome, or even witnesses who play an important role in formulating the jury’s decision. These all are examples of trial participants and people who might require the services of an interpreter. 

Minimizes the Risk of Mistrial 

Miscommunication due to language barriers can lead to costly appeals and retrials. Professional interpreters can help prevent such situations by ensuring that the initial proceedings are conducted accurately and fairly. Moreover, the possibility of a mistrial is too serious to ignore. Since an innocent person could end up in jail due to ineffective communication. Interpretation services can help in minimizing the risks of a mistrial.

Translation of Crucial Documents

The abilities of Interpreters are not limited to verbal communication in fact they tend to wear multiple hats. If a case involves multilingual content then Interpreters can assist with document translation services as well. Furthermore, they provide assistance during various legal procedures. For instance, sometimes police contact interpreters for help in interrogations. They also provide their services during meetings between attorneys and clients.

However, the work requirements can cause interpreters to work for extended hours and this can lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Thus, regular breaks are essential when employing the expertise of interpreters. Working for long hours without any intervals can make it difficult to focus and can cause errors or decrease the quality of the interpretation. Similarly, you can employ more than one interpreter to keep the flow going and reduce the amount of time wasted.

Dos and Don’ts of Court Interpretations 

There is a strict code of rules that the interpreters need to follow. Since the court proceedings are of utmost seriousness, the decorum of the court needs to be maintained at all times. Following are some of the major dos and don’ts of legal proceedings:

• They communicate with you prior to the court hearings and discuss any questions they might have.
• They may need to know your background or if you have ever used the services of an interpreter before.
• The interpretation may work in two ways. They can interpret your native language into the required language and vice versa.
• Interpreters have to stick to the original meaning and they can not add, omit or change anything.
• They have to maintain confidentiality and they can not discuss legal matters with anyone outside the case proceedings. Similarly, they can not share the discussions between you and your lawyer with anyone else.
• Interpreters don’t have the expertise to provide legal advice, can not predict the course of proceedings nor can they have private conversations with you or your family.
• Professional interpretation services include communication assistance with people present in the courtroom along with lawyers, staff and judges.

Common Types of Interpretation Services Required in Courtroom

There are several types of interpretation services but the most common ones that are used in legal proceedings are as follows:

Simultaneous Interpretation 

As the name suggests simultaneous interpretations are done side by side with the speaker in real time. It’s commonly used when the person who requires interpretation services needs to listen rather than speak. 

Consecutive Interpretation

In this type of interpretation, the interpreter translates chunks of information one at a time. Once the non-native has spoken for a couple of minutes, the interpreter translates. This type of interpretation is usually useful during witness stand or client and attorney meetings. 

Virtual Remote Interpreting

Thanks to the developing technology, interpreters can be easily accessed through online video conferences. This is particularly helpful in areas where the target language interpreter is not available or if the interpreter you require has a busy schedule. Moreover, sometimes during court sessions documents are presented on the spot. If they are in the non-native language then the interpreter can help with document translation services as well.

Final Verdict 

Interpretation is a rapidly growing field. Interpretation is particularly useful in legal matters. It helps in the deliverance of justice and removes communication barriers. Similarly, it provides support to people who do not speak the same language. As a result, effective communication can be established.