The United States is a nation of various races and ethnic groups. By the year 2005, Hispanics will be the largest minority group in the United States. It is essential to provide court interpreters so there is equal access to justice for all. It is also important to have qualifying standards that must be met by persons before they can work as interpreters in the state and federal court systems.

Appointment of a Court Interpreter

The judge has discretion in deciding whether to appoint a court interpreter. If appointed, the interpreter is considered an officer of the court, subject to certain ethical duties relating to the interpreter's conduct. A court interpreter's job is to translate accurately for a litigant (a party to a court proceeding) everything that occurs in the proceeding. Court interpreters also make it possible to take evidence from a non-English speaking witness.

Certification of Court Interpreters

A court interpreter translates the meaning of a word or phrase from one language into another language. Most states have laws about court interpreters. Such laws require a person to pass a certification examination before acting as a court interpreter. The examination tests a person's interpreting ability and evaluates whether the person meets established minimum standards. State courts have language tests for languages such as Spanish, Russian, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Polish and Arabic. Some states courts also have court rules relating to interpreters. The federal courts have their own set of standards for certifying an interpreter. There is a national certification examination for persons interested in working as interpreters in the federal court system. The national test measures a person's knowledge of both English and a foreign language and the person's interpreting skill.

Telephone & Remote Court Interpreting

Many of the smaller, rural counties are unable to provide an interpreter in the courtroom because of the expense involved. Some states have developed programs allowing qualified interpreters in large metropolitan areas to be used by rural counties via telephone. Special equipment is needed to do simultaneous interpretation, which is when the interpreter translates while the speaker is talking. Consecutive interpretation is another form of interpretation. The interpreter translates after the speaker has completed a sentence.

Court Interpreting for Hearing-Impaired Persons

Many hearing-impaired persons use a visual language called the American Sign Language. They also use speech reading or lip reading, gesturing, and written communication to communicate. There are certified interpreters for hearing-impaired persons to assure a hearing-impaired person fair access to the court system.

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