CTC CTC Courtroom Protocol & Conduct

Question 1

What is the proper seating position for a court interpreter during testimony?

Accepted Answer

Adjacent to the non-English-speaking party to facilitate direct communication

Answer

At the attorney's table to assist counsel

Answer

In the jury box to remain visible to all parties

Answer

At the clerk's station to access court documents

Question 2

How should a court interpreter address the court when needing to request clarification?

Accepted Answer

'Your Honor, the interpreter requests clarification.'

Answer

'Excuse me, counsel, could you repeat that?'

Answer

Raise a hand without speaking until recognized

Answer

Speak directly to the witness to resolve the confusion

Question 3

What is the correct first-person interpreting protocol in court?

Accepted Answer

Interpret all statements in the first person as if the interpreter were the speaker

Answer

Prefix all interpretations with 'The witness says...'

Answer

Interpret in the third person to maintain neutrality

Answer

Use indirect speech for all testimony

Question 4

What should a court interpreter do upon arriving to an assignment?

Accepted Answer

Check in with the clerk or courtroom deputy and review any available case materials

Answer

Immediately introduce themselves to all parties in the courtroom

Answer

Wait in the hallway until called by the judge

Answer

Confer with defense counsel about the defendant's needs

Question 5

When is a court interpreter required to take an oath or affirmation in U.S. courts?

Accepted Answer

At the start of each proceeding in which they interpret

Answer

Only at the beginning of a multi-day trial

Answer

When interpreting for a witness but not for a defendant

Answer

Oaths are optional and left to judicial discretion

Question 6

What should an interpreter do if they realize mid-proceeding that they have a conflict of interest with one of the parties?

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclose the conflict to the court and request to be excused

Answer

Continue if the conflict is minor and disclose after the hearing

Answer

Disclose only to the party affected and obtain their waiver

Answer

Proceed normally if the conflict does not affect interpreting quality