Persons addressing the non-English speaker (e.g.: judges, attorneys, probation officers, clerks) shall use the first person, speaking directly to him or her as they would to any English-speaking person.
The Court Interpreter interprets the exchange exactly. For example, the Judge says: "State your full name for the record." The sentence is repeated exactly in the foreign or sign language.
However, to protect the record from confusion, the Court Interpreter shall address the court using the third person singular when referring to himself or herself. For example: "Your Honor, the Court Interpreter requests that the question be repeated."
Explaining Procedures to the Non-English Speaker NOTE: The Court Interpreter may explain these procedures to the non-English speaker. However, some judges prefer to convey this information for everyone's benefit and to ensure that it appears on the record. The non-English speaker should be advised that:
the Court Interpreter will translate all statements and comments throughout the proceedings;
the non-English speaker must wait for the full interpretation of the English before responding to a question;
the non-English speaker must direct all answers, questions or comments to counsel or to the court;
the non-English speaker must not ask the Court Interpreter for legal advice or explanations of statements made during the proceedings.
e-mail: interp@xiteq.com
tel: (939) 216-4762
fax: (877) 435-8215
Objective. The goal of the Court Interpreter is to accurately interpret oral exchanges, so the person receiving the service can understand the proceedings as if he or she spoke English.
