Model Voir Dire for Qualifying a Non-Certified
Foreign Language Interpreter
At minimum, the tribunal should ask the following questions of a proposed non-certified interpreter:
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Do you have any particular training or credentials as an interpreter?
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What is your native language?
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How did you learn English?
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How did you learn [the foreign language]?
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What was the highest grade or degree you completed in school?
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Did you formally study either language at school?
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Have you spent any time in a foreign country speaking the language of the person requiring interpretation?
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Have you spoken with the person requiring your services? Were there any communication problems between you?
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How many times have you interpreted in any court or administrative hearing?
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Have you interpreted for this type of hearing or trial before?
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Do you know the applicable legal terms in both languages?
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Are you familiar with the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Interpreters? Please explain some of its main points.
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Are you a potential witness or party in this case?
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Do you know or have you worked for any of the attorneys, parties or witnesses in this case?
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Do you have any other potential conflict of interest with this case?
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Can you interpret simultaneously, consecutively, and accurately without omitting, adding or changing anything that is said?
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Have you ever been disqualified from interpreting in any court or administrative proceeding?
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Do you know of any reason why you can’t, or should not serve as the interpreter in this case?