In the American criminal justice system, the rights to due process of law and a fair trial are perhaps the most important - and most difficult - rights to uphold. While attention is often focused on perceived inequalities in the courts based on race, gender or soicioeconomic status, the potential for disparate impact is that much greater for those who can't speak or read the English language.

According to the U.S.

Census Bureau, there are more than 300 different and unique languages spoken in the United States. Imagine being caught up in a trial or other legal process in a foreign country where you didn't speak the native language. How do you mount a defense or even provide courtroom testimony? How could you sign legal documents that could potentially have devastating affects on your life or livelihood?

In the United States, the courts make an effort to provide accurate translation services to non-English speakers and ensure a fair legal process. If you're fluent in multiple languages and want to use your skills to help others, you may want to consider court interpreter and legal translation jobs.

Importance of Proper Translation

Even within the English language, you may be surprised to know how much the use of just the right word or the placement of a single comma can affect the meaning and perceived intent of an entire sentence. When it comes to the legal process, every word can have dire consequences.

As important and difficult as it is to get the words right in English, it becomes that much more so when communicating legal information to non-English speakers. It's not enough to be able to hold a conversation in another language, but  interpreters must also understand the nuances and subtleties of the languages and the differences between words and phrases that might seem to have similar meanings.

What Do Court Interpreters Do?

Throughout the court process - during first appearance and bond hearings, depositions, pretrial hearings and trials - court interpreters are present when needed to make sure that defendants, victims or witnesses understand what's occurring. They translate questions and instructions directed at the individual into their native language and translate his responses back into English for the benefit of the court.

What Do Legal Translators Do?

Similar to court interpreters, legal translators interpret legal documents such as contracts and court orders. They make sure these documents are clear so that all parties involved know what they've agreed to and what is expected.

What Does it Take to Be a Court Interpreter or Legal Translator?

Job requirements for legal translators and court interpreters usually include a bachelor's degree and successful completion of a certification process. The purpose of the certification is to ensure you are able to properly, accurately and fairly translate information and to provide a measure of proof of your trustworthiness when it comes to translation. Specific certification requirements will vary from state to state.

The single most important requirement to become a legal translator or court interpreter is to have native fluency in both English and second, third or fourth languages. This means you must know the ins and outs of these languages far beyond just a casual understanding or even conversational ability.

How Much Can Court Interpreters and Legal Translators Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for translators and in interpreters is $45,000 per year, or about $21.50 per hour. That salary will differ from state to state and even agency to agency. As the makeup of the U.S. population continues to grow and shift, the BLS anticipates the need for translators to grow by 46% through 2022, which is significantly faster than the growth expected in other job markets.

Is a Career as a Court Interpreter or Legal Translator Right For You?

Court interpretation and legal translation gives you the opportunity to help ensure fairness in the court system and help people who might otherwise get lost in the mix. If you have the ability to speak other languages fluently in addition to English, working as court interpreter or legal translator may be the perfect criminology career for you.