BEI BEI Court Interpreting Procedures & Legal Settings

Question 1

In a US courtroom, where should a court interpreter typically be positioned during witness testimony?

Accepted Answer

Seated next to or slightly behind the witness

Answer

Seated next to the attorney

Answer

Standing at the podium

Answer

Seated at the jury box

Question 2

When a BEI-certified court interpreter encounters an unfamiliar legal term during a proceeding, what is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Ask the judge to clarify the term on the record

Answer

Substitute a similar-sounding word

Answer

Request a brief recess to look up the term

Answer

Omit the term from the interpretation

Question 3

Which mode of interpretation is most commonly used for witness testimony in US courts?

Accepted Answer

Consecutive interpretation

Answer

Simultaneous interpretation

Answer

Sight translation

Answer

Whispered interpretation (chuchotage)

Question 4

What does 'sight translation' mean in the context of US court interpreting?

Accepted Answer

Orally translating a written document in real time

Answer

Interpreting from memory without notes

Answer

Translating sign language to spoken language

Answer

Interpreting from a pre-recorded audio file

Question 5

Under the Court Interpreters Act, which types of US federal proceedings require a certified or otherwise qualified interpreter for a non-English-speaking defendant?

Accepted Answer

Any proceeding initiated by the United States

Answer

Civil depositions only

Answer

Criminal proceedings only

Answer

Administrative hearings only

Question 6

Which ethical obligation requires a court interpreter to inform the court if they are unable to hear clearly during a proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Impartiality

Answer

Role boundaries