Legal Definitions - interpreter

An interpreter is a professional who facilitates communication between individuals who do not share a common language. In a legal context, an interpreter is a specially trained and often sworn professional whose role is to accurately and impartially translate spoken words or sign language from one language to another during legal proceedings or interactions. This ensures that all parties, including witnesses, defendants, and victims, can understand and be understood, thereby upholding due process and fairness.

Here are some examples of how an interpreter functions in legal settings:

• Courtroom Testimony: During a criminal trial, a key witness speaks only Korean. A court-appointed interpreter, fluent in both English and Korean, would translate the witness's testimony into English for the judge and jury, and translate questions from the attorneys into Korean for the witness. This ensures the witness's statements are accurately presented as evidence and that the witness fully comprehends the questions being asked, maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

• Legal Consultation for a Deaf Client: A deaf client needs to discuss their personal injury case with their attorney, who does not know American Sign Language (ASL). An ASL interpreter would be present during the meeting to translate the attorney's spoken words into ASL for the client and the client's ASL responses into spoken English for the attorney. This allows the client to fully understand the legal advice and effectively communicate their situation, ensuring their legal rights are protected and they can participate meaningfully in their defense or claim.

• Police Interview: A person is detained by police and speaks only Arabic. Before questioning, an interpreter fluent in Arabic would be brought in to translate the police officer's questions and the suspect's responses. This ensures that the suspect understands their rights (such as the right to remain silent) and the questions being asked, and that their statements are accurately recorded, which is critical for any subsequent legal proceedings.