Legal Interpreting Posts
Posted: January 26, 2012 in Legal Interpreting
Being bilingual alone does not mean you are qualified to be an interpreter.
According to The Toronto Star, a Canadian court discovered this fact the hard way when it recently declared a mistrial due to an interpreter’s “poor and substandard” interpretation, despite the observation that the interpreter spoke Hindi well.
Read More of Legal Interpreters Are Much More Than Bilingual Here
Posted: January 19, 2012 in Legal Interpreting
A recently overturned conviction in Arkansas proves yet again the importance of accurate and professional court interpreters for legal proceedings.
This is just another example of why it is in your best interest to hire an interpreter with specific skills and expertise for court and other legal proceedings.
Read More of Arkansas Court Interpreter Error Leads to New Trial Here
Posted: December, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
As a legal professional, you may have been asked by a client — or perhaps even wondered yourself — why a client’s family member can’t act as an interpreter for your court proceeding. If they know the language in question and are available to appear in court, what’s to lose?
Unfortunately, there is a lot to lose in using a family member as an interpreter.
Read More of Why to Avoid Using a Family Member as a Court Interpreter Here
Posted: November, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
It would be difficult to overstate the importance of professional interpreters in legal situations.
Court interpreters serve a fundamental role in providing access to justice for those with limited English proficiency and for the hearing-impaired. What’s more, using an unqualified interpreter can lead to severe consequences.
Read More of Why a Professional Legal Interpreter Is a Must in the Courtroom Here
Posted: October, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
Some state government agencies will be required to offer translation and interpreting services under an executive order issued by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The six languages for which translation and interpreting must be offered include Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Russian, French and French Creole.
Read More of NY Government Agencies Must Offer Translation & Interpreting Here
Posted: May, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
If you work in the insurance industry, you know that recorded statements are important parts of adjusting claims.
But what if the person giving the statement only speaks a language you don’t understand?
Telephonic interpreting could be the solution.
Read More of Using Telephonic Interpreting for Recorded Statements Here
Posted: May, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
Telephonic interpreting can be a boon to legal professionals in need of language services, but it sometimes presents difficulties and may not always be the right solution for your particular needs.
For more common languages and prescheduled meetings and events, an on-site interpreter is almost always the best option.
Read More of When You Should & Shouldn’t Use Telephonic Interpreting Here
Posted: April, 2011 in Legal Interpreting
You need to communicate with a client who speaks another language, but you don’t have access to a legal interpreter. You need telephonic interpreting services.
With one toll-free call, you can reach a professional legal interpreter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Read More of How Can Telephonic Interpreting Assist in Legal Proceedings? Here
Posted: October, 2010 in Legal Interpreting
Even if you are not a court interpreter, it is a good idea to become familiar with the code of conduct if you work with interpreters.
Knowing what is expected and what to expect of interpreters in court can help to avoid confusion or bridge divides.
Read More of The Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters Here
Posted: August, 2010 in Legal Interpreting
Any linguist working in the legal and court interpreting field knows that the position calls for skill and accuracy.
When a court interpreter makes an error, that mistake could have an effect on whether someone lives or dies — or at least whether someone goes free or stays in prison.
Read More of Accuracy Is Essential in Legal & Court Interpreting Here