Court Interpreter Written Exam: Court-Related Terms
and Usage-Q/A
Assistant Federal Public Defender Correct Ans-The public defender fulfills the United
States Constitution's Sixth
Amendment right to counsel by representing those charged with a crime
who cannot afford an attorney. The assistant federal public defender
provides legal representation to clients charged with federal criminal
offenses or involved in other matters mandated by the Act; meets with
clients to establish meaningful attorney-client relationships; directs the
defense investigation of alleged crimes or offenses; researches case law;
prepares pretrial motions; reviews material received from the government
as pretrial discovery; engages in plea negotiations; determines trial
strategies and defense approaches that affect jury selection, opening
statements and closing arguments, client testimony, and cross-
examination of witnesses; conducts sentencing investigations and
prepares sentencing memoranda, and represents clients at sentencing
hearings; prepares post-trial motions; and represents clients at trial, on
appeal, and in other courtroom proceedings.
Assistant United States Attorney Correct Ans-A USA; A federal prosecutor who assists the
U.S. Attorney in the judicial district by advocating the government's position in criminal cases
before the court.
, Court Interpreter Written Exam: Court-Related Terms
and Usage-Q/A
Bail Bond Correct Ans-The money or funds paid to secure the release of a person who has
been charged with a crime for a future appearance in court; written guaranty or pledge which
is purchased from a bonding company (usually an insurance firm) or by an individual (called a
"bondsman") as security to guarantee some form of performance, including appearing for
court hearings.
Bail/Bond Hearing Correct Ans-A judicial proceeding where the court determines if a
person charged
with a criminal offense should be released on bail and trusted to make
any and all required court appearances up to and including a trial. If the court determines that
there is no reason to believe the defendant will fail to show up for court appearances and that
the accused is not likely to re-offend while on bail, it must release the defendant subject to
whatever terms and conditions are deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Those
conditions can require a defendant to maintain a specific address, report to the police, and
not have contact with victims and witnesses. In addition, the court may require that one or
more sureties pledge some assets or cash (via a bond) to act as assurance that the defendant
will comply with the conditions of release.
Bench Trial Correct Ans-A trial before a judge without a jury. The judge decides questions
of fact as well as questions of law.
Booking Correct Ans-The criminal justice system's process for creation of an administrative
record of those arrested.
, Court Interpreter Written Exam: Court-Related Terms
and Usage-Q/A
Burden of Proof Correct Ans-The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff
generally has
the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of
proving the defendant's guilt.
Case Law Correct Ans-The law as established in previous court decisions. A synonym for
legal precedent. Akin to common law, which springs from tradition and prior judicial
decisions.
Certified Interpreter Correct Ans-An interpreter who has successfully passed all the
required components of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination administered
under the auspices of the Administrative Office. All staff court interpreters must be federally
certified court interpreters.
Challenge for Cause Correct Ans-A challenge to a proposed juror based on the contention
that, as a matter
of law, the juror cannot decide the case at hand fairly and impartially. A
challenge for cause must be based on specific grounds. If granted, it has
the effect of excusing the prospective juror from service on the jury.
Chambers Correct Ans-The offices of a judge and his or her staff.
, Court Interpreter Written Exam: Court-Related Terms
and Usage-Q/A
Change of Plea Correct Ans-A guilty plea in a criminal case where the defendant had
previously pled not guilty. It is referred to as a "change" because the defendant had pled "not
guilty" to the charges during a previous proceeding, usually during the post indictment
arraignment, and now has decided to plead guilty to the charges instead of going to trial.
Charges Correct Ans-A formal accusation made before a court by a prosecuting authority,
usually in the form of a "charging document."
Civil Hearing Correct Ans-A hearing involving a dispute between individuals and/or
organizations. The facts of the dispute could involve a contract, a lease, a physical injury
experienced by an individual, a divorce, or many other issues. Nonetheless, all disputes or
unresolved conflicts between individuals ultimately may be solved through civil litigation.
Generally, the result desired by the person filing the lawsuit is to be compensated for
damages. An alternative result is to have the court order another person to begin or stop
some activity.
Clerk Correct Ans-The court officer who oversees administrative functions, especially
managing the flow of cases through the court. With respect to the Court Interpreters Act, this
is the clerk of the district court or the bankruptcy court or a court unit executive designated
by the chief judge of the district court to implement the Act.
Closing Argument Correct Ans-The part of the trial at which each party summarizes the
evidence and
attempts to convince the judge or jury that the evidence supports its side of the case.
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