Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
HB 2518
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Title: An act relating to oath requirements for interpreters.
Brief Description: Modifying oath requirements for interpreters.
Sponsors: Representatives Goodman, Rodne and Kelley; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/10
Staff: Rebecca Jones (786-5793) and Edie Adams (786-7180).
Background:
Interpreting in Washington Courts
In 2009 Washington Courts hired interpreters in more than 75 languages. Testimony is interpreted consecutively, meaning the person giving testimony finishes a clause while the interpreter waits, and then the person giving testimony waits for the interpreter to finish before continuing. While arguments and discussion are often interpreted simultaneously, pauses are sometimes needed to allow the interpreter to fully interpret what was stated.
Certified and Registered Interpreters
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is responsible for both certifying and registering interpreters. Interpreters can be certified in more than 10 languages and must complete several requirements in order to be certified. If not certified, a qualified interpreter has the option of being registered in more than 40 languages. An interpreter must complete a series of requirements in order to be registered.
The AOC administers the oath taken by interpreters at the time of certification or registration, requiring such interpreters to uphold their code of conduct and accurately interpret for legal proceedings. Every two years, certified and registered interpreters must submit a form to the AOC affirming their compliance with continuing education requirements.
Interpreter Requirements
Where a non-English speaking person is compelled to appear at a legal proceeding, the presiding officer of the proceeding must appoint an interpreter certified by the AOC unless good cause is noted on the record by the presiding officer. If good cause exists, the officer must appoint a qualified interpreter.
Before beginning to interpret, an interpreter is required to take an oath affirming that the interpreter will make a true interpretation to the person being examined of all the proceedings in a language that the person understands, and that the interpreter will repeat the statements of the person being examined to the court or agency, in English, to the best of the interpreter's ability.
State v. Flores
In a 2009 Washington Division I Court of Appeals case, State v. Flores, the appellant argued that he was deprived of his constitutional right to a fair trial because his certified interpreter was not sworn in, nor were her credentials and qualifications examined. While the Court stated that interpreters are statutorily required to be sworn in at trial, the Court upheld Flores' conviction for third degree assault because there was no objection to the interpreter at trial, and no indication of inadequate interpretation or prejudice rising to the level of a constitutional violation.
Summary of Bill:
Certified or registered interpreters must take the required oath upon certification or registration and every two years thereafter, but they may forego taking the oath at the beginning of each interpreting session.
If the interpreter is not certified or registered, such interpreter must take the oath at the beginning of each interpreting session and submit the interpreter's qualifications on the record.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.