This is an archived copy of the 2013 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu.

Legal Interpreting Certificate

Overview
Courses

The Legal Interpreting (LI) certificate is a 20 credit hour program. It is designed to be completed in three semesters, although there is enough flexibility in the curriculum to extend the time period for additional semesters, if the student prefers a slower pace. The program is organized in a progression of courses leading the student from general concepts to increasingly complex skills and knowledge, culminating in a comprehensive skills exam and a professional practicum. It includes seven courses and is designed to give bilingual (English and Spanish) students the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as entry-level interpreters and translators in legal settings, including courts, law offices and similar environments. Employment opportunities may also be available with professional employed freelance interpreters. Although the emphasis of the program is legal interpreting, the skills gained could be applied to other interpreting and translating settings in the community, such as conference interpreting and translation of written documents.

Candidates for the Legal Interpreting certificate will be tested in order to measure knowledge and fluency in both English and Spanish, with a requirement of ACTFL Superior (ILR level 3) level in both languages for admission to the program.

(Major Code 5220; State CIP Code)

Legal Interpreting

First Semester

LI 130	Introduction to Legal Interpreting*	3
LI 140	Legal Interpreting Skills I*	3
LAW 121	Introduction to Law	3
Total Hours		9

Second Semester

LI 150	Legal Interpreting Skills II*	3
LI 160	Spanish Legal Interpreting*	3
LI 170	Legal Procedures and Ethics*	3
Total Hours		9

Third Semester

LI 180	Legal Interpreting Practicum*	2
Total Hours		2

Total Program Hours: 20

Courses

LI 130 Introduction to Legal Interpreting (3 Hours)

Prerequisite: Director approval and corequisite: LI 140 and Prerequisite or corequisite: LAW 121

This course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the field of bilingual interpreting. Students will study interpreter roles and skills, modes of interpreting and translating, ethical issues, professional standards of practices, cultural competence and applied linguistics. Upon completion, students should have a strong foundation of knowledge regarding the profession of interpreting and should be ready for specific skills training. This course is taught in English. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

LI 140 Legal Interpreting Skills I (3 Hours)

Corequisite: LI 130 and Prerequisite or Corequisite: LAW 121

This course develops students? skills in sight translation and consecutive interpreting. Listening and memory skills, communication strategies and intervention techniques are emphasized. Upon completion, students should be able to sight translate short written texts and consecutively interpret non-technical, interactive messages between Spanish and English. This course is taught in English and Spanish. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

LI 150 Legal Interpreting Skills II (3 Hours)

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LAW 121 and Corequisite: LI 160 and Prerequisite or Corequisite: LI 170

This course develops students? skills in simultaneous interpreting, and advanced consecutive interpreting. In addition, through classroom, lab, and field experiences, students practice the three interpretation modes they have learned in the program and improve all aspects of their interpreting while forming good professional habits. Self-assessment, professional growth and development of a personal philosophy of interpreting is stressed. This course is taught in English and Spanish. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

LI 160 Spanish Legal Interpreting (3 Hours)

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LAW 121 and Corequisite: LI 150 and Prerequisite or

This course develops the knowledge, techniques, and practices needed to function as a bilingual interpreter in a legal environment. Students will be introduced to basic legal situations, procedures, order of events, with vocabulary and terminology in both English and Spanish. Upon completion, students should be able to apply legal interpreting techniques in a variety of legal settings. This course is taught in English and Spanish. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

LI 170 Legal Procedures and Ethics (3 Hours)

Prerequisite: LAW 121

The course will acquaint Legal Interpreting students with the major characteristics of civil and criminal litigation. Students will be able to explain the various types of procedures regarding civil and criminal litigation process and their application. The student will also be able to explain ethical rules and standards governing the legal profession. 3 hrs. lecture/ wk.

LI 180 Legal Interpreting Practicum (2 Hours)

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LI 150 and LI 160 and LI 170 and LAW 121

Students will observe and interpret at assigned legal facilities, participate in class discussions about their interpreting experiences and develop a personal philosophy of interpreting. Both classroom meetings and fieldwork are required for this class. 1 hr. lecture, 3hrs. field study/ wk.

LI 130

Title: Introduction to Legal Interpreting*
Number: LI-130
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:

Description:

Prerequisite: Director approval and corequisite: LI 140 and Prerequisite or corequisite: LAW 121

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Describe and discuss the roles and responsibilities of bilingual interpreters.
Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the ethical issues confronting interpreters; name the components of the interpreter’s code of ethics and apply them to a variety of working situations.
Identify and explain the business and professional standards of practice to be followed by interpreters.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity and incorporate an appropriate level of cultural competence in interpreting situations.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Roles and Responsibilities of Bilingual Interpreters
A. Name and define the major modes of interpreting and translating.
B. Identify and describe major interpreting settings and describe the role and responsibilities of the interpreter in each.
C. Demonstrate the ability to choose the most appropriate interpreting mode for each situation.
D. List the skills and core competencies required of interpreters.
E. Identify the constituent parts of an interpreting session and describe the functions and responsibilities of the interpreter in each.
F. Explain the need for accuracy, completeness and contextual correctness in interpreting.
G. Define and explain the conduit, clarifier, intervener, and advocate functions of interpreters.
H. Identify legal issues, responsibilities and liabilities in interpreting.

II. Ethical Issues Confronting Interpreters
A. Describe ethical issues and obligations surrounding confidentiality and the need to treat all information learned while interpreting as confidential.
B. Demonstrate understanding of the need to maintain impartiality and refrain from counseling, advising or projecting personal biases or beliefs.
C. Demonstrate commitment to respecting the client’s privacy in all matters relating to the interpreting situation.
D. Demonstrate commitment to maintaining professional distance and refraining from developing inappropriate relationships with clients.
E. Understand issues of professional integrity and apply them to a variety of workplace scenarios.
F. Develop strategies to deal with issues of discrimination that may arise.
G. Develop techniques to promote mutually respectful interactions among all parties in interpreting relationships.
H. Demonstrate the ability to apply ethical analysis and decision-making when faced with ethical dilemmas and conflicts.

III. Business and Professional Standards of Practice to be Followed by Interpreters
A. List employment opportunities and job market trends in interpreting.
B. Describe financial costs, business practices and scheduling issues related to freelance interpreting.
C. Demonstrate the ability to practice effective workplace competencies, including time management, record keeping, reporting, accountability and teamwork.
D. Define and discuss field liabilities (injury, burnout, economic risks).
E. Identify uses of computer-related technology in interpreting.
F. Understand and explain the need for continuing education and ongoing professional development in interpreting.
G. Demonstrate understanding of the value and uses of professional portfolios to interpreters.

IV. Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competence in Interpreting Situations
A. Demonstrate knowledge of broad issues of cross-cultural communication and issues of cultural diversity.
B. Define and discuss the role of culture in interpreting.
C. Explain how culture impacts the work of interpreters.
D. Develop self-awareness of his/her own culture and his own culturally based assumptions and beliefs.
E. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of language and culture by identifying and explaining the effects of race, gender and social class on communication.
F. Demonstrate knowledge of basic characteristics of Latino/Hispanic and other ethnic cultures.
G. Discuss the concepts of acculturation and culture shock.
H. Explain the role of the interpreter as a culture broker.
I. Explain the role of the interpreter as cultural teacher and clarifier.
J. Identify and resolve culturally based communication obstacles in interpreting situations.

V. Basic Concepts of Linguistics
A. Explain the differences between standard languages, regional dialects and accents and how perception of such variations influences interaction.
B. Display adequate command of interpretation-related vocabulary, terminology and field jargon by compiling a bilingual glossary of terms.
C. Identify common interpreter errors, including code switching, false cognates, and inappropriate word substitution.
D. Demonstrate the ability to use correct diction, grammar and syntax consistently when interpreting.
E. Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts of phonetics and phonology as applied to interpreting.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Exams/Quizzes   50-60% of grade 
Participation/Attendance  25-35% of grade 
Written work  5-10% of grade 

Grade Criteria 
A = 90 – 100% 
B = 80 – 89% 
C = 70 – 79% 
D = 60 – 69% 
F = 0 – 59%

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilites:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.

LI 140

Title: Legal Interpreting Skills I*
Number: LI-140
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:

Description:

Corequisite: LI 130 and Prerequisite or Corequisite: LAW 121

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Demonstrate active listening and memory-retention skills in interpreting settings
Perform accurate consecutive interpreting between English and Spanish in typical interpreting settings
Perform accurate sight translations between English and Spanish of non-technical written texts, such as forms, signage, lists and instructions
Employ effective communication strategies to enhance interpreting accuracy
Utilize organization and intervention techniques to enhance success of interpreting encounters

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Listening and Memory Retention Skill
A. Employ techniques of paraphrasing and restatement of spoken messages in order to improve listening skills.
B. Use retention techniques, such as repetition, visualization, association, in order to improve memory skills and recall interpreting message.
C. Employ techniques of attentiveness and concentration to shut out distractions and focus full attention on the message to be interpreted.
D. Employ concepts of contextual listening to improve accuracy of interpreting.

II. Consecutive Interpreting between English and Spanish in Typical Interpreting Settings
A. Define consecutive interpreting, explaining when and why it is used in interpreting.
B. Define and explain concepts of content, context, affect, register and style in interpreting.
C. Generate linguistically and semantically equivalent messages in the target language that are structurally, contextually and stylistically consistent.
D. Perform monolateral (non-interactive) consecutive interpretation in a mock presentation or speech setting.
E. Perform bilateral (interactive) consecutive interpretation in a mock discussion, conference or negotiation setting.

III. Sight Translations Between English and Spanish of Non-technical Written Text
A. Define sight translation and discuss its value and uses in the legal setting.
B. Use skimming, scanning and reading ahead to sight translate texts from English to Spanish and vice versa with little or no preparation.
C. Correctly sight translate non-technical written forms, lists and
instructions from written English to oral Spanish and vice versa.

IV. Communication Strategies to Enhance Interpreting Accuracy
A. Demonstrate understanding of communication theory and interpersonal communication, including verbal and non-verbal factors, feedback, perceptions and culture.
B. Utilize appropriate public speaking skills while interpreting, with special attention to vocal characteristics of fluency and inflection.
C. Demonstrate abstracting skills by filtering irrelevant details while summarizing the main ideas of a spoken message.
D. Demonstrate note-taking skills by employing techniques such as finger counting, abbreviations and symbols in order to enhance accuracy of the interpreted message.
E. Employ effective feedback-seeking and clarification strategies in interpreting.

V. Organization and Intervention Techniques to Enhance the Success of Interpreting Sessions
A. Describe how to “set the stage” for interpreting in a manner that will put participants at ease and encourage accurate communication.
B. Effectively facilitate the flow of communication in interpreting interviews.
C. Appropriately manage the triadic relationship in interpreting encounters.
D. Employ mediation techniques and problem-solving strategies for conflict management during interpreting encounters.
E. Apply effective intervention methods to enhance understanding in interpreting encounters.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Exams/Quizzes   50-60% of grade 
Participation/Attendance  30-40% of grade 
Written work  10-20% of grade 

Grade Criteria 
A = 90 – 100% 
B = 80 – 89% 
C = 70 – 79% 
D = 60 – 69% 
F = 0 – 59%

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilites:

Disabilities:

LI 150

Title: Legal Interpreting Skills II*
Number: LI-150
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:

Description:

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LAW 121 and Corequisite: LI 160 and Prerequisite or Corequisite: LI 170

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Demonstrate mastery of accurate consecutive interpreting in English and Spanish in typical interpreting settings.
Demonstrate accurate simultaneous interpreting in English and Spanish in typical interpreting setting.
Demonstrate fundamental translation of concepts and accurate translations of non-technical documents through comprehensive skills assessment, proficiency in major components of interpreting.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Demonstrate mastery of accurate consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in English and Spanish in typical interpreting settings
A. Exhibit shadowing skills in Spanish and English by repeating verbatim what is heard in the same language.
B. Exhibit paraphrasing skills by rendering the meaning of an oral message presented in Spanish or English into either language using word other than those used in the original message.
C. Demonstrate adequate dual-task performance (e.g., 2reciting a well-known poem or song while writing numbers backward or forward at the same time).
D. Exhibit proficient lagging skills by repeating messages while maintaining a time interval between each utterance.

II. Demonstrate fundamental translation of concepts and accurate translations of non-technical documents.
A. Describe the core skills and competencies required of a good translator.
B. Define key translation concepts, including those related to language, destination, text and equivalency.
C. Explain and apply the four steps in the translation process (text analysis, documentation, actual translation, revision).
D. Demonstrate knowledge of the rules governing the translation of proper names.
E. Demonstrate the use of punctuation in both the source language and the target language and use correct punctuation in translating text.
F. Demonstrate the ability to identify potential meaning, structure and culture-related problems in written texts and apply the general principle of translation to solve them.
G. Demonstrate oblique and direct translation techniques and discuss the uses, value and limitations of each.
H. Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to use computer-assisted translation tools and computer resources to assist in translation.
I. Translate non-technical written documents such as forms, labels, instructions and questionnaires into the target language.

III. Demonstrate proficiency in major components in a comprehensive skills assessment of interpreting.
A. Perform sight translation from English to Spanish and vice versa with at least 85% accuracy.
B. Perform consecutive interpreting from English to Spanish and vice versa with at least 85% accuracy.
C. Perform simultaneous interpreting from English to Spanish and vice versa with at least 85% accuracy.
D. Perform written translation from English to Spanish and vice versa with at least 85% accuracy.
E. Demonstrate adequate proficiency in conflict management, cultural competence, professional ethics and standards of practice.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Exams/Quizzes   50-60% of grade 
Participation/Attendance  30-40% of grade 
Written work  10-20% of grade 

Grade Criteria 
A = 90 – 100% 
B = 80 – 89% 
C = 70 – 79% 
D = 60 – 69% 
F = 0 – 59%

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilites:

Disabilities:

LI 160

Title: Spanish Legal Interpreting*
Number: LI-160
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:

Description:

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LAW 121 and Corequisite: LI 150 and Prerequisite or

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Describe and discuss the roles and responsibilities of bilingual interpreters within the legal system.
Demonstrate an appropriate level of cultural competence in legal interpreting situations.
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of Spanish legal terminology.
Demonstrate understanding of issues related to doing legal interpreting in a mental health setting.
Apply interpreting skills to mock legal settings.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Roles and Responsibilities of Bilingual Interpreters in the Legal
System
A. Identify the major components of the American legal system.
B. Define the role and responsibilities of the interpreter in legal settings, including protocols at different stages of the process.
C. Apply issues of ethics and confidentiality to legal interpreting situations; discuss the interpreter’s code of ethics as applied to legal interpreting.
D. Describe the appropriate attorney-interpreter and interpreter-client relationship in interpreting settings.
E. Understand legal issues, responsibilities and liabilities in legal interpreting.

II. Cultural Competence in Legal Interpreting Situations
A. Identify traditional legal issues, practices and beliefs of Hispanic/Latino communities and discuss their implications for legal decision making.
B. Identify and discuss strategies to sensitize legal providers to issues of cultural diversity and the impact of culture, poverty and discrimination on legal decision making.
C. Help identify and resolve communication stumbling blocks with patients form other cultures.
D. Identify culturally sensitive strategies and approaches for working with diverse cultures.
E. Demonstrate the ability to negotiate culturally effective and appropriate care plans.

III. Knowledge of Spanish Legal Terminology
A. Render into the target language Spanish or English equivalents of legal related terms.
B. Render into the target language Spanish or English language equivalents of names of phases of the legal process.
C. Master appropriate vocabulary of Spanish and English terms related to common legal situations such as those used in municipal and state courts.

IV. Legal Interpreting in a Mental Health Setting
A. Explain the role of the interpreter in legal situations regarding mental health issues.
B. Describe settings and procedures for mental health interpreting, with special attention to specific concerns and cautions surrounding legal interpreting, with clients who may suffer a mental disease.
C. Demonstrate familiarity with basic terms used in the mental health profession, as they are applied in legal situations.

V. Interpreting and Translating skills in Mock Legal Settings
A. Accurately sight-translate into Spanish commonly used legal forms, waivers, reports, etc.
B. Perform accurate consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in a mock legal setting by serving as the medium of communication between the attorney/judge and the non-English
speaking defendant during court hearings, attorney-client interviews, etc.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Quizzes/Examinations   35-40% of grade 
Participation/Attendance  25-30% of grade 
Written work  30-40% of grade 

Grade Criteria 
A = 90 – 100% 
B = 80 – 89% 
C = 70 – 79% 
D = 60 – 69% 
F = 0 – 59%

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilites:

Disabilities:

LI 170

Title: Legal Procedures and Ethics*
Number: LI-170
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:

Description:

Prerequisite: LAW 121

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Distinguish the conceptual and practical differences between criminal and civil litigation
Discuss the historical and constitutional foundations of civil and criminal law
Explain the elements of the defenses to the major classifications of criminal and civil litigation
Explain the procedural steps in criminal and civil litigation
Identify and distinguish between the roles of the various participants in the criminal and civil process
Explain the role of the legal interpreter during the criminal and civil process
Explain the ethical requirements of criminal and civil law practice

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Legal Procedures
A. Define Criminal and Civil Law
B. Distinguish between criminal litigation and civil litigation procedure
C. Explain the Constitutional provisions relating to criminal and civil law

II. Individual Crimes
A. Identify and distinguish between person and property crimes
B. Identify and distinguish between felonies and misdemeanors
C. Identify and explain defense to crime

III. Individual Civil Actions
A. Identify and distinguish three kinds of torts
B. Identify and explain the basics of contract law
C. Identify and explain the basics of family law
D. Identify and explain the basics of property law

IV. Criminal Actions: Initial Proceedings, Discovery and Pretrial Proceedings
A. Explain the intake procedures and criminal complaint
B. Identify and explain Fourth Amendment (Search and Seizure) issues
C. Identify and explain Fifth Amendment (Self-Incrimination) issue
D. Explain and distinguish between Initial Appearance, preliminary hearing and arraignment

V. Criminal Trial Procedures
A. Identify and explain due process requirements
B. Explain the sequence of events at a trial
C. Identify and explain sentencing guidelines and sentencing options
D. Identify and explain post-trial motions and appeals
E. Identify and explain the legal interpreter's role at a criminal and post-trial

VI. Civil Litigation
A. Identify and explain the four steps in civil litigation: Pleadings, Discovery, Trial and Post-Trial
B. Identify and explain the legal interpreter's role at a civil trial and a post-trial

VI. Legal Ethics
A. Differentiate between the function of the judge, lawyer, and legal interpreter
B. Explain ethical requirements applicable to judges, lawyers, and legal interpreters, including Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Competency

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

A minimum of three examinations   50% of grade 
A minimum of five applications assignments  50% of grade 

Grade Criteria 
90%+ = A 
80% = B 
70% = C 
60% = D 
Below 60% = F

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilites:

Disabilities:

LI 180

Title: Legal Interpreting Practicum*
Number: LI-180
Effective Term: Fall 2012
Course Type: Career
Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours:

Description:

Prerequisites: LI 130 and LI 140 and LI 150 and LI 160 and LI 170 and LAW 121

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Demonstrate mastery of the interpreting skills necessary to become a professional legal interpreter.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the working interpreter’s environment.
Develop a personal philosophy of interpreting.

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Content Outline and Competencies:

Demonstrate mastery of the interpreting skills necessary to become a professional legal interpreter by participating in supervised, graded interpreting.
  A. Attend assigned field practicum sites and participate actively in interpreting (30 hours of active observation and participation required). 
  B. Participate in feedback sessions with their supervising interpreter at the conclusion of each interpreting session. 
  C. Prepare and submit written summaries regarding the interpreting process, techniques, standards of practice and professional ethics following each session. 

II. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the working interpreter’s environment by attending and actively participating in weekly class discussion groups. 
  A. Discuss practicum observations and experiences, including issues concerning interpreting problems, cultural influences, ethics, standards of practice and the professional environment. 
  B. Question interpreting practices they are unsure about. 
  C. Discuss and develop a personalized plan for the next observation or interpreting session.

III. Develop a personal philosophy of interpreting as a profession.
  A. Prepare and submit a written philosophy statement. 
  B. Participate in class discussion of interpreting philosophies, values and ethics.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Feedback from Practicum site:   40-50%  
Class Participation/Attendance:   20-25%
3 written role plays based on experiences: 25-30% 

Grade Criteria 
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89% 
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 0-59%

Caveats:

None