Legal Interpreter's Practicum

About this course:

Designed exclusively for students in the Certificate Programs in Interpretation and Translation, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the courtroom operations of the Los Angeles Superior Court. Students will gain an understanding of the daily functions of the courts and how cases are processed through the system; the purpose and activities of the various courts; the duties of the court staff —court clerk/judicial assistant, court reporter, bailiff— and the role, responsibilities, and obligations of the court interpreter. Professional conduct for court interpreters and ethical issues will also be discussed. Students receive classroom instruction conducted entirely in English. The practicum will include one day in court observing procedures during the court's regular hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students learn about professional practices and performance standards by observing courtroom proceedings and submit a written report of their observations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the court observation requirement will be suspended this year and replaced by a different viewing assignment to be determined by the instructor.