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Legal Interpreting

Two thousand twenty – the year of the virtual meeting! Whatever sectors had been resisting technology were suddenly thrust into it. Sometimes change is gradual; it can also be abrupt and forceful. When quarantine mandates occurred in March of 2020, all interpreting and consulting work came to a swift halt. We had no idea when […]

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The Biggest Court Interpreting Problem in South Carolina Part 2

Previously in this blog, we discussed the biggest court interpreting problem in South Carolina. We also commented on the SC Court Interpreter Policy and Procedure Guide, which negatively addresses the problem. Although court interpreters were instructed that this is the new guideline, clerks of court seem to be told that they are proposed guidelines. Amid

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Shiny New SC Court Interpreter Policy and Procedure

Between the Labor Day weekend and Hurricane Dorian’s threat to our coast, you may have missed the news.  The South Carolina Judicial Branch issued its first ever Court Interpreter Policy and Procedure Guide. Compared with other state court standard practice guides, it is less than 60 pages. Who needs to become familiar with this Guide? 

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What If I Need an Interpreter at Jail?

Criminal lawyers obtain their clients by private retention and appointment by the judge.  Before trial or a plea, the attorney meets with potential witnesses, conducts attorney?client meetings, including phone calls and jail visits, and appears in court. What happens if the monolingual lawyer has a client who is deaf, hard of hearing, or limited English

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There IS a Guideline for Scheduling Court Interpreters!

Some time ago, we published a blog, How do I schedule an interpreter because every SC county is different?  In it, we mentioned that the SC Judicial Branch didn’t seem to have a uniform standard system for scheduling interpreters.  Our bad.  The Palmetto State does have a standard.  Where is it? It’s in the South

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The Extraordinarily Difficult Nature of Legal Interpreting

Trust me, legal interpreting is not for the faint of heart. There are daunting encounters for professional court interpreters. First, they must be experts in their language pair(s). Second, they must have accurate knowledge of current legal terminology. Third, they must always maintain neutrality and professionalism. However, one of the greatest obstacles legal interpreters face

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Interpreters Must Adhere to Rules of Professional Conduct

In every profession, we have those on the cutting edge, as well as those who believe there is no school like the old school. As legal professionals hone their abilities, a monkey wrench is often hurled at them when the services of a certified court interpreter are required. For those who have never been trained,

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How My Certified Court Colleagues May Be Sabotaging Themselves

In the past, we had an attorney angrily complain about our independent certified court interpreter. She was furious because the certified interpreter continually paused and reminded her to speak directly to the deponent. The attorney kept forgetting; she kept speaking to the interpreter. After a while, the attorney became frustrated with his constant reminders. She

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Six Action Items You Can Do to Limit Due Process Rights Violations in Court Part II

Last month we discussed three action items to minimize violations against your client’s due process rights.  To close 2018, here are the remaining action items that empower you to solve the issue.   As soon as a court date is scheduled, notify the clerk’s office what kind of certified court interpreter is needed (for common

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Six Action Items You Can Do to Limit Due Process Rights Violations in Court

South Carolina has become a larger melting pot since the 1990s.  Today in Spartanburg, there is a decent Russian language community.  In Laurens, there are many Guatemalans for whom Spanish is their second language.  South Carolina has pockets of Asian communities.  French and German speakers also abound.  Let us not forgot those who are hearing

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