Court Interpreter Certification Courtroom Procedures & Protocols 2

Question 1

Under Federal Rule of Evidence 604, what must an interpreter do before interpreting testimony?

Accepted Answer

Be qualified and give an oath or affirmation to make a true translation

Answer

FRE 604 subjects interpreters to the rules on expert qualification and requires an oath or affirmation to make a true translation.

Question 2

Which federal statute governs the certification and appointment of interpreters in U.S. district courts?

Accepted Answer

The Court Interpreters Act of 1978 (28 U.S.C. § 1827)

Answer

The Court Interpreters Act, codified at 28 U.S.C. § 1827, created the federal interpreter certification framework.

Question 3

When interpreting a witness's testimony, which grammatical person should the interpreter use?

Accepted Answer

First person, speaking as the witness

Answer

Interpreting in the first person preserves the witness's voice and creates an accurate record.

Question 4

An interpreter realizes she misinterpreted a date earlier in the witness's testimony. What is the proper action?

Accepted Answer

Promptly notify the court on the record and correct the error

Answer

Interpreters must correct their own errors on the record as soon as they become aware of them.

Question 5

When an interpreter needs to address the court for clarification, how should the interpreter refer to themself?

Accepted Answer

In the third person, e.g., 'The interpreter requests a repetition'

Answer

Using 'the interpreter' in the third person distinguishes the interpreter's own statements from the witness's testimony.

Court Interpreter Certification Practice Test