Legal Interpreting Flashcards

A Deaf defendant communicates primarily through written English notes rather than ASL. The sign language interpreter should:

Answer: Defer to the defendant's preferred communication mode and inform the court

The Deaf individual's preferred communication mode should be respected; the interpreter should inform the court and adapt accordingly or facilitate alternative access.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), educational interpreters in school-based IEP meetings involving legal matters are governed primarily by:

Answer: IDEA's standards for qualified interpreters in educational settings

IDEA governs educational settings including IEP meetings, and sets standards for the qualifications and roles of interpreters in those contexts.

A sign language interpreter working with a CDI team during a criminal trial hands off to the CDI after signing. In this relay model, the hearing interpreter's primary role is to:

Answer: Interpret between spoken English and the CDI, who then communicates with the Deaf individual

In a CDI relay team, the hearing interpreter bridges spoken English to the CDI, who then uses their native language expertise to communicate with the Deaf individual.

What is the primary purpose of a pre-session meeting between the interpreter and the attorney before a legal proceeding?

Answer: To clarify logistics, terminology, and communication protocols without discussing case strategy

Pre-session meetings are used to review terminology, logistics, and communication protocols; the interpreter should not receive strategic legal coaching or access privileged materials.

An interpreter is subpoenaed to testify about an interpreted conversation in a civil case. The interpreter should:

Answer: Comply with the subpoena and consult an attorney about any applicable privileges

Unlike attorney-client privilege, there is no universal 'interpreter privilege'; the interpreter should comply with the subpoena and seek legal counsel regarding any applicable protections.

Which factor is most critical when evaluating whether an interpreter's rendition of testimony was 'accurate' in a legal proceeding?

Answer: Whether the meaning, register, and pragmatic intent of the source message were preserved

Accuracy in legal interpreting encompasses preservation of meaning, register, and pragmatic intent—not just surface-level word equivalence or delivery speed.

A sign language interpreter who also holds a law degree is asked by the Deaf client to provide legal advice during a break in proceedings. The interpreter should:

Answer: Decline, as combining the interpreter role with a legal advisor role creates an irreconcilable conflict of interest

Taking on a dual role of interpreter and legal advisor creates a fundamental conflict of interest that compromises the interpreter's neutrality and violates professional ethical standards.