Guidelines for Interpretation at Court Proceedings

Your words matter. To ensure fairness, the Court of Workers' Compensation Claims has adopted these guidelines where a party is a limited English proficient person. Before the hearing begins, all participants should review these guidelines.

Qualifications: All interpreters must be state-certified or state-registered, unless the judge has waived this requirement. The judge will administer an oath that the interpreter will make a true and impartial interpretation.

Procedures

1. For the Interpreter

• Interpret consecutively, not simultaneously.
• Interpret completely and accurately, and ask the meaning of any unknown word(s).
• Do not add, leave out, or change any statements. Do not summarize. Ask questions of the judge when appropriate, or if you need a break.
• Be impartial and do not give advice.
• Disclose any conflicts of interest.

2. For the limited English proficient participant

• Speak slowly.
• Say one sentence; then stop, and allow the interpreter to interpret. Resume speaking when the interpreter has stopped.
• Speak in only one language.
• Ask the meaning of any unknown word(s) to ensure proper interpretation.
• Inform the judge of any cultural misunderstandings.
• Notify the judge immediately if something seems wrong with the interpretation, e.g. it is too fast, you do not understand and need clarification, or it is inaccurate.
• You may ask the judge to stop the interpretation at any time if you reasonably believe the interpretation is inaccurate.

3. For all parties and counsel

• Direct comments or questions to the limited English proficient participant instead of the interpreter.