The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a web site for the Georgia Commission on Interpreters, and devoted to information about court interpreters.  Interpreters can be certified (having passed a proficiency examination) or registered.  The Georgia Commission on Interpreters web site is located at
http://www.georgiacourts.com/agencies/interpreters/index.html

Administrative Office of the Courts

244 Washington Street, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30334

Press Release

For more information, contact                                                         For Immediate Release

Philippa Maister, 404-651-6327                                                                          February 21, 2003

AOC TRAINS INTERPRETERS TO ADDRESS

SEVERE SHORTAGE IN GEORGIA COURTS  

As the number of languages spoken in Georgia rises with the explosive growth of the immigrant population, so does the demand for skilled interpreters to help the courts provide justice to the growing number of non-English speakers who appear before them. But finding qualified interpreters --- especially ones who understand the American legal system -- has been a problem. Now the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has launched a new website that lists individuals recruited and trained by the Georgia Commission on Interpreters to work in the courts.

Currently, some Georgia courts, especially in rural areas, are turning to local merchants, policemen, local residents who may have taken a course in a foreign language in high school, or even prison inmates to pinch-hit for them as interpreters. The new website will give Georgia judges a single resource to locate qualified interpreters able to bridge the communication gap between them and non-English speakers who appear in court as witnesses, plaintiffs or defendants.

In order to be listed on the website, individuals must qualify as either a “Registered” or “Certified” Court Interpreter. Within a 12-month period, Registered Court Interpreters must participate in a two-day orientation session, an English proficiency written exam and an oral interview intended to evaluate their skills in the foreign language of their choice.

Registered interpreters are eligible to become Certified -- the highest rating – if they meet additional requirements. Certified Interpreters must score at least 70% on each part of a three-part oral language proficiency exam. The first part is a sight translation from English to the foreign language and vice versa. The second part consists of consecutive interpreting, like that which occurs in a courtroom. Finally, there is a simultaneous interpreting test. Certified Court Interpreters must also take an Interpreter’s Oath, agree to abide by a professional code of ethics, and undergo a background check.

Interpreters – who must renew their licenses each year -- are listed on the website by name, by county and by language.

According to the 2000 Census, 751,000 people in Georgia – 10% of the population – speak a language other than English at home. And of these, half speak English “less than very well.”  In a city like Savannah, the variety of languages spoken by sailors who pass through its port may be even greater. The Commission has already trained 500 bilingual interpreters speaking 16 languages: Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, Creole, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. More will be added as training expands.

The Georgia Commission on Interpreters was created by the Supreme Court of Georgia, and is staffed by the AOC. It serves all levels of court. The Commission meets several times a year to develop guidelines and professional standards and address other issues. However, it is not responsible for hiring, paying or placing interpreters.

Orientation and training for prospective interpreters will be provided by approved independent contractors, who may charge trainees a fee. Individuals interested in becoming Registered or Certified Court Interpreters will find information about the program and schedules for upcoming orientation and training sessions on the Commission’s website, www.georgiacourts.org. They may also contact Cristina Franco, Program Director, at (404) 463-6478 or francoc@gaaoc.us.

 The Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia (AOC), a state agency, provides support services to the judiciary for the efficient operation of the courts.

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