Judicial Operations
Court Interpreters
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit employs interpreters on both a permanent and contractual basis. The qualifications for a court interpreter include command of both the English and the non-English language, including familiarity with legal terminology, as well as the ability to perform three major types of interpretation: simultaneous, consecutive, and sight. Court interpreters take an oath to interpret accurately and to the best of their ability. They are expected to translate from the source-language to English and English to the source-language exactly as stated in an impartial manner, without embellishing or omitting words. Court interpreters are also expected to be of the highest moral character.
During 2008:
- Ethnic diversity continues to grow in Lake County. Interpreters are being used more and more extensively throughout all branches of the Lake County Courts, with Spanish being the most frequently requested language. This year, interpreter services were expanded to the family court division for child support cases.
- Because of the increased demand for Spanish interpreter services, a second full-time interpreter position was added in 2008. Currently, the Court has two full-time and two part-time Spanish interpreters, and continues to utilize contract interpreters on a regular basis.
- The third annual Spanish interpreter meeting was held on Friday, September 26, 2008. The goals of these meetings are to:
- provide basic training for interpreters regarding the profession of court interpreting and its unique demands;
- offer instruction and study materials to improve the interpreter’s understanding of court and the legal environment;
- educate our interpreters on how they can improve their language proficiency and what techniques they can use to develop the specific skills required for interpreting;
- foster, motivate, and encourage the professional growth of the Spanish interpreting team; and
- update the glossary of legal terms in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s Spanish Interpreter’s Handbook.
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