What to expect from a court interpreter — a guide for solicitors
Many solicitors have limited experience working with interpreters in formal proceedings. This guide explains what a professional court interpreter does, what they cannot do, and how to get the best results for your client when language is a barrier.
A common misconception is that an interpreter's job is simply to translate words. In a court setting, the interpreter's role is far more specific — they must render everything that is said, verbatim, without omission, addition or explanation. They are not there to advise, clarify or advocate. Understanding this distinction is essential for solicitors working with non-English speaking clients.
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