Court Interpreters and Translators Job Description, Duties & Salary

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Court interpreters require exceptional skills in their foreign language to an extent described as “native” proficiency, that is, equivalent to those who speak the foreign language as their first language. While generally there are no minimum number of years of experience required for employment, additional experience leads to more complex assignments. The job not only requires the additional knowledge of the legal and judicial system, rules, and terminology, but a desire and commitment to assist in the administration of justice.

Court interpreters and translators must have impeccable ethics, understand and practice confidentiality, and be able to strictly comply with court rules. They must be willing to assist people of differing nationalities, socioeconomic classes, and intellectual capacities without judgment or comment. They must be able to not only interpret or translate words, but as near as possible to communicate the exact tone and meaning of the speaker. Court interpreters must be punctual and compliant with schedules set by courts, while flexible enough for adjournments, delays, or assignments that extend past their scheduled work hours.

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