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Department
of Translation and Interpretation
The
number of interpretations conducted in the Eleventh Judicial
Circuit is several times greater than the combined total of
all other courts in the State of Florida!
Approximately
1.25 million, or 60% of Miami-Dade County residents are foreign
born. For the many witnesses, victims, and defendants who
understand little or no English, specially trained Court Interpreters
are essential to accurately convey the meaning of the spoken
word from and into English and more than 50 other languages.
With
the explosive evolution of such a diverse community, the Court
Interpreters Department was founded in 1979 and expanded in
1982 to include translations of recordings and documents.
Two decades later, the Department remains an invaluable component
of the judicial system, with over 50 interpreters translating
in more than 250,000 proceedings annually, including approximately
7,000 criminal and traffic jury/non-jury trials. Their expert
services are utilized in almost every division of the Court.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Department of Translation and Interpretation
What
is the function of Court Interpreters?
Court
Interpreters are responsible for the accurate interpretation
and translation of verbal and written communications from
a source language (non-English) to a target language (English)
in matters related to judicial proceedings. They facilitate
communication between two or more parties in an impartial
manner and do not serve as an advocate or perform clerical
functions for the party requesting the interpreter.
Can
Court Interpreters reveal any information heard during the
translation?
NO.
The confidentiality privilege that exists between an attorney
and a client also extends to Court Interpreters. Any information
exchanged by the parties may be not revealed. As Officers
of the Court, they are held to a high professional standard
of conduct and code of ethics.
What
are the primary languages translated in Miami-Dade County?
The
majority of interpretations are made in Spanish and Haitian
Creole, followed by French, Portuguese and Russian.
For
whom does the Department provide services and what kinds of
proceedings are interpreted?
Services
are provided for judges, general magistrates and hearing
officers,
as well as for the State Attorney and Public Defender's Offices.
The majority of appearances are made in Criminal Court,
followed
by Juvenile, County Civil, Family, Domestic Violence and
Child Support cases.
What
is the difference between "simultaneous" and "consecutive"
interpreting?
Simultaneous
interpreting is performed continuously (at the same time someone
is speaking). Consecutive interpreting, which is necessary
whenever testimony is given, is the translation of statements
after someone has spoken (with pauses between completed statements).
What are
the qualifications for serving as a Court Interpreter for
the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida?
You
must have at least the equivalent of an Associate of Arts
degree or a combination of education and experience which
encompasses the following abilities and skills:
A comprehensive knowledge and high proficiency in written
and oral Spanish or Haitian Creole.
The ability to satisfactorily perform in the two modes of
interpreting, consecutive and simultaneous, and in sight translation
of written material for court proceedings.
A thorough knowledge in the field of translating documents
and audio/video materials
Knowledge of specialized vocabulary in the judicial field
Additionally,
the applicant must satisfactorily pass an examination that
consists of a written and oral evaluation given by the Administrative
Office of the Courts.
What
is the salary range and how do I apply for this position?
The
starting salary for Court Interpreters is $30,008 and ranges
up to $44,720, plus benefits. To apply, please submit your
resume via facsimile to: (305) 548-5357, Attention: Court
Interpreter Position.
What
are the address, telephone number and hours of operation?
The
main office is located at:
Department of Translation and Interpretation
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
1351 N.W. 12th Street, Room 630
Miami, Florida 33125
(305) 548-5352
Hours
of operation are from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through
Friday, excluding Court holidays.
Who do
I call for further information about the Department of Translation
and Interpretation?
Feel
free to contact Ana M. Cabezon, Department Supervisor, or
Sergio E. Ball, Assistant Supervisor at (305) 548-5352 for
additional information.
Who
do I contact if I am a person with a disability who needs
assistance to participate in a court proceeding, program or
service?
Please
contact ADA
Coordinator, at:
| Voice
Mail: |
(305)
349-7175 |
| TDD: |
(305)
349-7174 |
| Fax
No:. |
(305)
349-7355 |
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