1.2-13 Use of Interpreters - In General
New, May 10, 2012
Our courts are open to everyone, regardless of their ability to
understand and speak English.
No matter what language people speak, they have the right
to have their testimony heard and understood. In this case, some
of the testimony will be given in <name of language>, and translated into English by an interpreter.
The interpreter does not work for either side in
this case, and is completely neutral in the matter.
The interpreter will take an oath to translate between English and <specify
other language> accurately and impartially to the best of the interpreter's
skill and judgment. The interpreter will
repeat only what is said and will not add, omit, or summarize anything.
You are not to draw any conclusions from any conduct of the interpreter
that (he/she) is expressing any opinion about the content of the testimony.
You should treat the interpretation of the
witness testimony as if the witness had spoken English and no court interpreter
were present. You must evaluate
interpreted testimony as you would any other testimony. That is, you must not
give interpreted testimony any greater or lesser weight than you would if the
witness had spoken English.
You must not make any assumptions about a witness or a party
based solely upon the use of an interpreter to assist that
witness or party. Do
not allow the witness' inability to speak English to affect your
view of the witness' credibility.
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