Cultures Connection provided essential legal interpreting services during a hearing in Montreal last June for a Latin-American client. Our legal interpreting and translating services have helped hundreds of people navigate confusing foreign legal jargon. This particular case was no different.
Administrative Hearing in Montreal
Last year, Cultures Connection was contacted by Delegatus Services Juridiques Inc. to provide a consecutive interpreter for a Spanish-speaking client. A legal practice based in Montreal, Delegatus was representing a landlord in a housing dispute with a tenant. Delegatus’ client wished to reposses their dwelling so that their mother may live there. The landlord’s Spanish-speaking mother required the assistance of an interpreter during court hearings at the Administrative Housing Tribunal, where she testified. Cultures Connection provided Delegatus with a Spanish-French court interpreter to assist their client’s mother.
Professional Legal Interpreting
Court-certified legal interpreters are an integral part of due process under any legal system. Legal interpreting must be provided if a person does not speak a country’s official language and is seeking legal help. For the interpreter, providing these services is no walk in the park. It is not enough to be fluent in two or more languages, but interpreting for legal purposes requires an in-depth understanding of multiple judicial systems.
A court interpreter must not only translate the general message, but attempt to bridge the gap between asysmetrical legal systems. Certain legal concepts and terms that exist in one language and one legal system, may not in another. Transmitting such concepts to someone who is unfamiliar with these legal concepts is a large part of the challenge. If an interpreter lacks sufficient legal knowledge to properly communicate with their client, they are impeeding due process.
Becoming Certified for Court
Interpreters aspiring to become court certified undergo rigourous legal training, and must obtain court certification through an accredited program. Organizations like the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) offer such programs. The NAJIT seeks to form professional legal interpreters worldwide to ensure equal protection and equal access to justice.
If you require professional legal interpretation services from a court certified interpreter, contact Cultures Connection. Fill out our form below for a free quote today! Or you can read here for more information.
