Court Interpreter Certification Legal Terminology & Specialized Vocabulary

Question 1

What does the legal term 'Miranda rights' refer to in U.S. court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional rights read to a suspect upon arrest, including the right to remain silent

Answer

Miranda rights are the constitutional warnings required to be given to a suspect in custody before interrogation, stemming from Miranda v. Arizona (1966).

Question 2

How should a court interpreter handle the legal term 'habeas corpus' when interpreting for a non-English speaker?

Accepted Answer

Use the recognized equivalent or explain its legal meaning in the target language

Answer

Interpreters should use the recognized equivalent in the target language or, if none exists, provide a functional explanation of the term's legal meaning.

Question 3

What is the meaning of 'voir dire' in U.S. court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

The preliminary examination of jurors or witnesses to determine competency

Answer

Voir dire is the process by which attorneys question prospective jurors (or sometimes witnesses) to assess their suitability and impartiality.

Question 4

A witness uses the slang term 'snitched' during testimony. How should a certified court interpreter render this?

Accepted Answer

Interpret it using an equivalent slang or colloquial term in the target language

Answer

Court interpreters must reproduce the register of the speaker, including slang, using an equivalent colloquial expression in the target language rather than elevating or sanitizing the language.

Question 5

What does 'pro se' mean in a U.S. court setting?

Accepted Answer

Appearing or acting on one's own behalf without an attorney

Answer

Pro se refers to a party who represents themselves in court without the assistance of a licensed attorney.

Court Interpreter Certification Practice Test

Court Interpreter Certification Practice Test

Court Interpreter Certification Legal Terminology & Specialized Vocabulary