CASLI Legal Interpreting 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An interpreter assigned to interpret a plea colloquy notices that the defendant appears not to understand the concept of 'waiving rights.' The appropriate action is to:
- Explain the concept of waiving rights directly to the defendant
- Use more detailed ASL descriptions to improve the defendant's understanding
- Interpret accurately and inform the judge that comprehension may be an issue (Correct answer)
- Pause proceedings and contact a Deaf advocate
Correct answer: Interpret accurately and inform the judge that comprehension may be an issue
The interpreter should render the message faithfully and may alert the court to a potential communication issue, but should not personally explain legal concepts.
Question 2: The term 'transliteration' in the context of legal settings most accurately describes:
- Converting spoken English into a written court transcript
- Representing English in a signed form that follows English word order (Correct answer)
- Providing oral interpretation of signed communication into spoken English
- Interpreting between two signed languages such as ASL and PSE
Correct answer: Representing English in a signed form that follows English word order
Transliteration involves representing a spoken language in a signed form that maintains the source language's structure, unlike interpretation which involves two distinct languages.
Question 3: A Deaf individual involved in a civil lawsuit prefers to use a CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter) in addition to a hearing interpreter. The court should accommodate this request because:
- CDIs are required by law in all legal proceedings involving Deaf parties
- Using two interpreters always reduces total cost to the court
- A CDI may better convey culturally specific communication nuances critical to accurate interpretation (Correct answer)
- CDIs can also serve as a language access advocate for the Deaf party
Correct answer: A CDI may better convey culturally specific communication nuances critical to accurate interpretation
CDIs bring native language expertise and cultural competency that can be essential for effective communication, particularly with Deaf individuals who use non-standard or idiosyncratic signing.
Question 4: An interpreter discovers mid-proceeding that they have a prior professional relationship with one of the expert witnesses. The interpreter should:
- Continue interpreting if the relationship was not adversarial
- Complete the session and disclose the relationship to the court afterward
- Immediately disclose the relationship to all parties and the court (Correct answer)
- Only disclose if the opposing counsel raises the issue
Correct answer: Immediately disclose the relationship to all parties and the court
Any conflict of interest or appearance of bias must be disclosed immediately so parties can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with or replace the interpreter.
Question 5: In what scenario would an interpreter most appropriately request a recess or pause in legal proceedings?
- When the interpreter needs time to look up an unfamiliar legal term
- When the Deaf client appears frustrated with the proceedings
- When an attorney uses jargon the interpreter has not encountered before
- When the interpreter experiences a medical emergency affecting accuracy (Correct answer)
Correct answer: When the interpreter experiences a medical emergency affecting accuracy
A recess is appropriate when the interpreter's ability to provide accurate interpretation is genuinely compromised, such as during a medical emergency or incapacitating fatigue.
Question 6: Deaf-Blind interpreting in a legal context most often involves:
- Using large-print written materials supplemented by some signing
- Presenting all communication via a computer screen in large font
- Tactile ASL or pro-tactile communication delivered through touch (Correct answer)
- A visual field interpreter positioned within the Deaf-Blind individual's limited vision
Correct answer: Tactile ASL or pro-tactile communication delivered through touch
Deaf-Blind individuals often use tactile ASL or pro-tactile methods where the interpreter places their hands under the Deaf-Blind person's hands to transmit signed communication through touch.
Question 7: When a judge asks the interpreter directly, 'Did the witness understand my question?', the interpreter should:
- Answer based on the witness's nonverbal cues and facial expressions observed
- Decline to answer and summarize the witness's communication style for the judge
- State that assessing comprehension is outside the interpreter's role and interpret the inquiry to the witness (Correct answer)
- Provide a brief assessment and then interpret the question to the witness
Correct answer: State that assessing comprehension is outside the interpreter's role and interpret the inquiry to the witness
The interpreter should clarify their role boundary and then interpret the judge's question to the witness, allowing the witness to respond directly.
CASLI Legal Interpreting 4
An interpreter assigned to interpret a plea colloquy notices that the defendant appears not to understand the concept of 'waiving rights.' The appropriate action is to: