Interpreting in a Federal Court setting is unlike community assignments, medical consultations, or even business meetings. In court—whether online or in person—interpreters must adapt their language, tone, and conduct to meet the high expectations of judges, registrars, associates, and legal representatives.
Having worked across numerous Federal Circuit and Family Court hearings, I’d like to share insights for new interpreters stepping into this environment.
Who’s Who in the Courtroom
Getting titles and forms of address right is a baseline standard of professionalism.
- Applicant – often addressed as Mr Applicant or Madame Applicant.
- First Respondent – usually the Minister for Home Affairs (represented by a lawyer).
- Second Respondent – often the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
- First Respondent’s Legal Representative – addressed formally as Ms [Surname] or Mr [Surname].
- Associate to the Judicial Registrar – addressed as Mr Associate, Madame Associate, or Court Officer.
- Judicial Registrar – addressed as Registrar.
- Judge – addressed as Your Honour.
Scenario: Entering an Online Callover
When hearings are conducted online, the Associate typically admits participants from the virtual lobby. A common exchange may look like this:
👉 Associate:
“Good morning, this is [Name] from the Federal Circuit and Family Court. If your number ends in 33, can you confirm if you are the Japanese Interpreter?”
👉 Interpreter:
“Good morning, Madame Associate. Yes, this is the Japanese interpreter.”
👉 Associate:
“Thank you. We have six applicants today who will need your assistance. I will admit the first applicant now.”
👉 Interpreter:
“Thank you.”
Later, the Associate announces:
“Registrar Smith has joined the session. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is in session. Calling the matter of ABC1234/2000…”
At this point, experienced Associates usually arrange for interpreters to interpret the court opening statement, ensuring applicants with limited English know the hearing is in session. If multiple languages are involved, interpreters are told who interprets first (e.g., Mandarin, then Hindi).
Courtroom Language: Professional Register Matters
Courtroom speech follows a higher register than other interpreting contexts. Interpreters should reflect that.
✅ Professional:
“Registrar, could I please have the court file number repeated?”
❌ Unprofessional:
- “Sorry, what did you say?”
- “Oops, I didn’t hear that.”
- “Yeah, sure, no problem.”
When a Registrar says:
“Mr Interpreter, we may need to keep you for a later matter in case the applicant joins late.”
✅ The professional response is:
“Registrar, I am in your hands.”
❌ Not:
- “I can stay, no worries.”
- “Yeah, sure.”
Common professional responses include:
- “Yes, Registrar.”
- “I have no further questions, Registrar.”
If clarification is needed, keep it short, precise, and respectful. Court proceedings move quickly, and interpreters should minimise disruptions. Remember: while you are an essential facilitator of communication, you are not the central figure.
Why Register Matters
Using the wrong register doesn’t always cause misunderstanding—but it affects how you are perceived.
- You may come across as inexperienced.
- The profession as a whole may be seen as less professional.
- Over time, this could affect conditions, rates, and the standing of interpreters in the legal system.
Final Thoughts
Court interpreting demands more than bilingual skills. It requires:
- Awareness of courtroom etiquette.
- Ability to mirror the register.
- Professional self-presentation.
For new interpreters, my advice is simple:
- Listen carefully. Note how registrars, associates, and lawyers phrase their speech.
- Mirror their register. Elevate your tone to match the court’s expectations.
- Stay professional. Always choose precision and formality over casual language.
By doing so, you not only serve justice for non-English speakers but also strengthen the reputation of our profession.
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