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

Positioning next to the party ensures the interpreter can deliver interpretations at a low volume directly to the party without disrupting the proceeding.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

'Your Honor, the interpreter requests clarification.'

Answer

Addressing the judge formally and in the third person is the accepted courtroom protocol that maintains proper court decorum.

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

First-person interpreting creates a direct equivalence between the original speaker and the interpreted statement, which is the accepted professional and legal standard.

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

Checking in with court staff is standard professional protocol and provides an opportunity to obtain case terminology lists or other preparatory materials.

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

Court interpreters are sworn at the start of each proceeding, affirming accurate and impartial interpretation under penalty of perjury.

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

CTC CTC Courtroom Protocol & Conduct