SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1CR01-511 12/05/05

SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

Some of the witnesses in this case will testify through Spanish language interpreters.  These interpreters work for the court.  They will provide you with the official translation.

You should listen to the translation of the witnesses’ testimony.  You should not assume any meaning from observing body language or facial expressions, which may have unique purposes in the other language.  You should treat the witnesses’ testimony as if it were spoken in English.  The fact that it is given in Spanish should not affect your view of the witnesses’ credibility.

You should also understand that witnesses may nod their heads during a translation, and that this in no way indicates agreement or an affirmative answer.  It may merely indicate that the witnesses are following the translation.

If you understand Spanish, you still should only consider the English translation.  Even if you think that an interpreter makes a mistake, you should base your deliberations only on the official translation.