Translation Equipment for Courts

Welcome to our guide on translation equipment for courtroom and judicial use.

Simultaneous interpretation can be a vital part of any court or legal preceding. The systems we offer give live (human) interpreters the ability to communicate real-time without disturbing the preceding.

Devices that provide efficient automatic translation are still being developed so human interpretation is still the best form of communication.

Our translation equipment provides crystal-clear audio and lets listeners easily hear their native language. Simultaneous interpretation saves time and allows listeners to interact immediately.

These systems are simple to operate so a technician is not needed to operate. Listeners can easily select the channel of the language they need to hear and control their own volume.

Some courts have their own systems but private interpreters often have to invest in their own equipment. Our interpretation equipment is durable and simple to operate. Most systems are portable making them easy to put into a small case and go.

Key Points

  • A live interpreter will be needed to use our equipment. Accurate live audio translation cannot be achieved without a human translator.
  • Translation systems create a broadcast signal similar to a radio station. The interpreter speaks through a microphone and transmitter. The listeners hear their native language through a receiver and earphone.
  • Digi-Wave and Infrared systems offer high security when private information needs to be protected.
  • Using a frequency-hopping algorithm, the DigiWave digital translation system offers secure communication and avoids interference. It operates at 2.4 GHz providing better encryption but can still broadcast through walls.
  • Infrared systems offer the highest security as the broadcast signal cannot pass through walls. However, they require clear line of sight and some equipment may need to be mounted.
  • Infrared Stethoset (stethoscope style) receivers are a lightweight option in the event the equipment is thrown.

Top Product Recommendations For Courts

One-on-One

Scenario: Mediation with one interpreter and one listener.

Equipment Recommendations:

  • DLT 400: Digital transceiver allows the listener to hear the interpreter in real-time. Easy to set up
  • DLR 400 ALK: Multichannel digital receiver. The listener can easily adjust their own volume control

Private Broadcast

Scenario: Court interpreter who uses equipment frequently.

Equipment Recommendations:

  • DLT 400: Digital transceiver can be used in multiple environments and offers great security
  • DLR 400 RCH: Rechargeable multichannel digital receiver

Scenario: Trial with one language and multiple listeners where private information cannot leave the courtroom.

Equipment Recommendations:

  • IR Plus Secure System: The interpreter’s translation broadcast is secure and contained within the courtroom.

Court Interpretation Equipment Guidelines

Several rules require courts to make accommodations for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) .

These include:

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964: states that parties receiving federal funding must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national origin (Title VI)
  • Executive Order 13166 (2000) directs federal agencies to provide guidance for LEP individuals.
  • Department of Justice Title VI guidance (6/18/02) requires federal fund recipients to give essential access to LEP individuals.

In practice, this means that most court systems have “on call” interpreters for commonly spoken languages such as Spanish and French. As well as the capacity to support other foreign languages as needed through a pool of interpreters.

Resources and Links for Court Interpreters

Importance of Providing Court Interpretation

Civil proceedings

Non-English speaking parties have a right to an interpreter during critical stages of legal proceedings and must be provided, upon request, a list of translators that are approved to provide interpretation services for their particular proceeding. Court employees, probation officers, physicians, psychologists and legal counsel must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the event an interpreter is required, advance notice will be given to the parties involved.

Criminal proceedings

In criminal proceedings, states are required to provide interpreters based on the defendant’s rights in the Fifth Amendment and due process. Based on case law, criminal defendants must be provided language translation at the most important parts of the proceedings. This includes arraignment, jury instructions and sentencing, as well as entering or changing pleas. A defendant’s probation interview and out-of-court discussions with private counsel may not be required to have interpretation available. Translation services may also be required for individuals other than the defendant such as witnesses.

Drawbacks of Court Delays

Court interpretation is essential in helping the state enforce the law as we as protecting defendants. When cases are repeatedly delayed and adjourned due to the absence of a court interpreter there can be dire consequences. Innocent people can be unfairly jailed or deported unjustly. Guilty individuals can even be released. In addition, every delay or adjournment is a waste of resources.

 

Note: We can customize any interpretation system for as many devices as you may need. Just drop us a line and we can design a system for you. You can always start with a smaller number and expand later.

For a sales quote, help finding an audio product not on the site, or any other questions don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call: (877) 817 0733

Or email:

will.ward@translationequipmenthq.com