- Court Interpreters provide access to justice for non-English speakers in a variety of settings requiring fluency in English and a foreign language.
- Performs courtroom interpretation as assigned, by interpreting simultaneously and consecutively for the court and for defendants, victims, witnesses, attorneys and other parties to the proceedings, as well as interpret for other court-related departments from English to a foreign language at the direction of the court.
- Interprets and translates the administration of oaths by the appropriate court officer to witnesses, plaintiffs, defendants, etc.
- Makes sight translations of documents for the benefit of the court, including, but not limited to technical, medical, and legal documents, written evidence and correspondence, reading written texts and giving oral translations of texts as well as other documents as requested by the court and related personnel.
- Interprets explanations of routine court procedures from attorneys and/or court staff for foreign language speaking persons in court.
- Interprets and sight translates at the counter as needed.
- Notifies the Court of any issues or situations that may impede the interpreters' performance and/or ability to interpret and/or translate as assigned.
Other Functions:
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Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of: legal terminology; courtroom procedures; correct usage of grammar, spelling and punctuation of English and appropriate foreign language; interpreting techniques and ethics; and legal clerical office practices, procedures and policies.
Ability to: speak, read and write fluently in English and appropriate foreign language; translate orally in English and appropriate foreign language accurately, careful not to edit, summarize, or add or omit meaning; remain impartial including during adversarial and emotionally charged situations; comprehend and retain dialogue in both languages at the same rate and in the same manner consistent with courtroom procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, witnesses, and other court personnel; interact professionally and cooperatively with all others in contact with during the course of work; use general office equipment such as computers, telephones and copiers as needed and required by the assignment; use of transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation as directed; understand and adhere to California statutes, Rules of Court, and learn and apply a variety of superior court procedures and practices; adhere to interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court, Rule 2.890; and follow written and oral instructions.
