Judge Denies Motion to Strike Complainant’s Testimony for Errors by Court Interpreter”

An excellent example of the importance of the accuracy of interpretation was noted in the news of late. It took place during a hearing in which the court stated there were very few statutory requirements and very little case law to assist in guiding the standards that apply to interpreters in a court of law. In this case the interpreter engaged in behaviors that went against the code of conduct for court interpreters. Specifically, the interpreter did not interpret word for word and had side conversations with the witness. Fortunately, the court ruled that the testimony by the witness would remain; there was no prejudice to any party, the errors made by the interpreter were isolated instances and the majority of the testimony met the requirements of the court. However, the hearing would continue with a new interpreter.