CASLI Legal Interpreting 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a trial, an interpreter becomes aware that the Deaf defendant may be planning to flee the jurisdiction. According to the NAD-RID CPC, the interpreter should:
- Warn the court immediately to prevent harm
- Maintain confidentiality as required by the code (Correct answer)
- Refuse to continue interpreting and withdraw
- Notify the defendant's attorney confidentially
Correct answer: Maintain confidentiality as required by the code
The NAD-RID CPC requires confidentiality and does not include a mandatory disclosure exception for flight risk; the interpreter should continue interpreting.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'consecutive interpretation' as used in legal witness examination?
- The interpreter signs simultaneously while the witness speaks
- The interpreter waits for a complete thought before rendering it (Correct answer)
- Two interpreters alternate every 20 minutes to reduce fatigue
- The interpreter repeats the source message verbatim in the target language
Correct answer: The interpreter waits for a complete thought before rendering it
Consecutive interpretation involves waiting for a complete utterance or thought before rendering the interpretation, commonly used in question-and-answer settings.
Question 3: A court determines that an interpreter provided for a Deaf juror was not qualified. What is the most likely legal remedy?
- Monetary damages paid to the Deaf juror
- Mistrial or appeal based on denial of due process (Correct answer)
- Suspension of the interpreter's certification
- Mandatory retraining of all court interpreters
Correct answer: Mistrial or appeal based on denial of due process
Provision of an unqualified interpreter can constitute a due process violation, potentially resulting in a mistrial or grounds for appeal.
Question 4: In legal interpreting, 'register' refers to:
- The official court record of interpreted testimony
- A list of certified interpreters maintained by the court
- The level of formality and language style appropriate to the context (Correct answer)
- The volume level at which voice interpreting is delivered
Correct answer: The level of formality and language style appropriate to the context
Register refers to the level of formality and style of language used, which legal interpreters must match appropriately between the source and target languages.
Question 5: A sign language interpreter working for the prosecution in a criminal case is approached by the defense attorney for information about the Deaf witness's communication style. The interpreter should:
- Share observations since the information is not privileged testimony
- Consult with the prosecution before deciding what to share
- Decline and refer the attorney to make formal discovery requests (Correct answer)
- Provide the information only if subpoenaed
Correct answer: Decline and refer the attorney to make formal discovery requests
The interpreter should decline informal requests for information about the parties and direct attorneys to appropriate legal channels to avoid role conflicts.
Question 6: The CASLI Legal Interpreter credential (Legal SC:L) examination assesses competency primarily through:
- A written examination on federal and state laws
- An oral examination by a panel of legal professionals
- Performance-based video assessment of interpreted legal scenarios (Correct answer)
- A portfolio of interpreted courtroom transcripts
Correct answer: Performance-based video assessment of interpreted legal scenarios
The Legal SC:L uses a performance-based video assessment format where candidates interpret recorded legal scenarios to demonstrate competency.
Question 7: When an attorney objects during testimony by a Deaf witness, the sign language interpreter should:
- Stop signing immediately and wait for the judge's ruling
- Continue interpreting the objection and any colloquy for the witness (Correct answer)
- Ask the judge whether to continue before doing anything
- Interpret only the judge's ruling, not the objection itself
Correct answer: Continue interpreting the objection and any colloquy for the witness
The interpreter should continue interpreting all spoken communication, including objections and judicial rulings, so the Deaf witness remains fully informed.
CASLI Legal Interpreting 3
During a trial, an interpreter becomes aware that the Deaf defendant may be planning to flee the jurisdiction.
According to the NAD-RID CPC, the interpreter should: