FIT Legal & Technical Translation 2

Question 1

Which principle governs how a translator handles a term with no direct equivalent in the target legal system?

Accepted Answer

Functional equivalence using a term with similar legal effect

Answer

Functional equivalence selects a target-language term that produces the same legal effect even if the underlying concept differs.

Question 2

In US legal translation, 'consideration' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Something of value exchanged to make a contract binding

Answer

In contract law, consideration is the bargained-for exchange that makes an agreement legally enforceable.

Question 3

A certified translator working on a patent specification should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Exact reproduction of claims language to preserve legal scope

Answer

Patent claims define the protected invention's scope, so any deviation can narrow or invalidate the protection.

Question 4

Which document type typically requires a translator's sworn affidavit or certification statement in US immigration proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Foreign birth certificates and vital records

Answer

USCIS requires certified translations of foreign-language vital records, accompanied by a statement of translator competence.

Question 5

The phrase 'force majeure' in a translated contract should be:

Accepted Answer

Retained or rendered with an explanation preserving its contractual meaning

Answer

Force majeure is a legal term of art; translators should retain it or use a recognized equivalent with clarification of its contractual scope.

(FIT) International Federation of Translators Certified Translator Practice Test