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Court Interpreter Written Exam – Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What does the term “voir dire” mean in legal proceedings?✔✔ A preliminary examination of a witness or juror by a judge or counsel
What should a court interpreter do when a term has no direct equivalent in the target language?✔✔ Use a clear explanation or paraphrase while maintaining accuracy
What is the proper role of a court interpreter in a legal proceeding?✔✔ To provide complete, accurate, and impartial interpretation of all spoken communication
What is meant by the term “consecutive interpretation”?✔✔ Interpretation rendered after the speaker has finished a segment of speech
What is meant by “simultaneous interpretation”?✔✔ Interpretation delivered at the same time as the speaker is talking
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What should an interpreter do when they do not understand a word or phrase?✔✔ Ask for clarification without altering or omitting any part of the message
What does “sight translation” involve in a courtroom setting?✔✔ Orally translating a written document from the source to the target language on the spot
What is the interpreter’s duty if the defendant speaks a dialect they do not understand?✔✔ Inform the court and request an interpreter fluent in that dialect
What does “source language” mean in interpretation?✔✔ The original language spoken before interpretation
What does “target language” refer to?✔✔ The language into which interpretation is rendered
What does “due process” mean in legal terms?✔✔ The fair treatment of individuals through the judicial system as guaranteed by law
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What should an interpreter do if a witness starts to speak directly to them?✔✔ Politely remind the witness to speak to the court, not to the interpreter
What is the appropriate action if a lawyer asks the interpreter to summarize a witness statement?✔✔ Decline and explain that interpreters must interpret everything verbatim
What is the interpreter’s obligation regarding confidentiality?✔✔ Maintain strict confidentiality of all information learned during proceedings
What should the interpreter do if a party uses offensive or inappropriate language?✔✔ Interpret the words exactly as said, without omission or alteration
What should an interpreter do if they detect a conflict of interest with a party in the case?✔✔ Immediately disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from the case
What is the term for a judge’s official order to do or not do something?✔✔ Injunction ✔✔
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What does “objection sustained” mean?✔✔ The judge agrees with the objection and disallows the statement or question
What does “objection overruled” mean?✔✔ The judge does not agree with the objection and allows the statement or question
What is the interpreter’s role during attorney-client private consultations?✔✔ To interpret only what is said without adding, omitting, or advising
What is the appropriate reaction if someone in court requests the interpreter’s opinion?✔✔ Politely refuse, as interpreters must remain impartial and uninvolved
What does the legal term “perjury” mean?✔✔ Lying under oath during official proceedings
What should an interpreter do if they are fatigued and feel accuracy is compromised?✔✔ Request a break or relief to maintain performance quality and ethics
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