Professional court interpreters are individuals who possess an educated, native-like mastery of both English and a second language. They have general knowledge in a wide range of fields and perform the three main types of court interpreting: sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpreting.
A Court Interpreter's sole responsibility is to bridge the communication barriers so as to provide limited English proficient court users with equal access to justice.
While performing his or her duties, the court interpreter:
To search for a court interpreter
The Judicial Council Staff maintains a statewide roster of certified and registered interpreters authorized to work in California courts.
Additional informational:
Language Access Toolkit http://www.courts.ca.gov/33865.htm
Court Interpreter BrochureThe Court may provide an interpreter where a hearing impaired party or witness is present and participating in court proceedings. In addition, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the court will provide to hearing-impaired persons a reasonable accommodation that will enable such persons to engage in effective communications in court proceedings. In providing such accommodation, the court shall give primary consideration to the specific accommodation requested by such persons (e.g., a request for a sign language interpreter rather than a mechanical device). The Court provides sign language interpreters, real time reporting, CART reporting and assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired for jury duty and for all other proceedings, regardless of the type of court case.