Resources for the Judiciary

NAJITs Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct – All NAJIT members are bound to comply with this code.

 The American Bar Association released the American Bar Association Standards for Language Access in State Courts that will affect court interpreters working with LEPs.

Suggested Guidelines for Interpreters Returning to Work in Courts Holding In Person Proceedings. 

The NAJIT Board of Directors drafted a statement against reductions in minimum hours for remote interpreting. This and other items NAJIT has advocated for can be found on the NAJIT Advocacy web page.

Need an interpreter or translator? Our directory of professional interpreters and translators includes professionals from around the world with certifications in a variety of languages. Enter your search criteria and you will be provided with an alphabetized listing of interpreters and translators.

For a criminal defendant with limited English proficiency, or who has a hearing impairment, a skilled courtroom interpreter is a vital part of the justice system. Like court-appointed attorneys, interpreters enable defendants to understand proceedings and assist in their own defense. The role of court interpreters is the theme of this Knowledge Seminar video.

The seminar, which includes a panel discussion between two federal judges and two career interpreters, discusses why interpreting is essential to a constitutional process and the challenges courts face in providing skilled interpreters. Court interpreting requires language fluency, interpreting skills, familiarity with technical terms and courtroom procedure, and a knowledge of particular cultures.

We talk a lot about team-interpreting but, what is team-interpreting? This short video can probably answer that question. Take a look. Enjoy!!

INFOGRAPHIC: Benefits of working with a professional interpreter– A resource to aid in sharing the benefits of working with a professional interpreter.

INFOGRAPHIC: Working with an interpreter in a legal setting – A resource for professionals working with interpreters in a legal setting.

INFOGRAPHIC: Verifying Interpreter Credentials and Having them Stated for the Record– A resource that every court and law firm should have at hand when providing language access to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals through an interpreter. It is a step by step guide on how to verify interpreter credentials to assure proper language services.

During the voir dire process, a judge will interview the court interpreter to verify their credentials. This two minute video from the United States Court shows an example of the interview.

POWERPOINT: Bench and Bar Committee presentation providing basic information about the proper use of interpreters in legal settings. (Education for Attorneys)

POWERPOINT: Bench and Bar Committee presentation providing basic information about the proper use of interpreters in legal settings. (Education for Judges)

POWERPOINT: Best Practices for Working with Interpreters and Clients with Limited English Proficiency (Education for Judges, Attorneys and other Stakeholders). A suggestions and best practices document has also been developed to support the PowerPoint.

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