Highlights

• Lectures by nationally known experts in legal interpreting

• 4 semesters of online courses tailored to the work of legal interpreters

• Distance mentoring with nationally certified legal interpreters

• 55 hour supervised practicum with onsite experiences in Denver area courtrooms or in your home community

• 15 undergraduate credits from the University of Northern Colorado

• 22.5 RID CEUs

Courses

Fall '08
INTR 480 - Overview of Interpreting in the American Legal System (4 credit hours)
This course establishes the principles and protocol associated with interpreting in the legal context and explores best practices associated with interpreting in the American judicial system.

Spring '09
INTR 481 - Introduction to Civil Litigation (3 credit hours)
This course provides a foundation in civil law by following the procedures in a civil matter from the time of a complaint through the appeals process and the implications of each step for interpretation.

Fall '09
INTR 482 - Introduction to Criminal Law (4 credit hours)
This course provides a foundation in criminal law. The criminal judicial process is examined to determine the unique procedures associated with each stage and the implications for interpretation.

SPRING '10
INTR 483 - Skills Development For Interpreting In The Legal Context (4 credit hours)
This skills course involves the interpretation of frozen legal texts (such as jury instructions and various legal/courtroom forms), the interpretation of client-attorney interviews, and the interpretation of direct and cross examination. The skills are applied during a supervised practicum by a qualified legal mentor.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the American legal system and the legal foundation upon which it is based.
• Track a felony matter from investigation through the trial process.
• Track a civil matter from the initial complaint phase through the trial process.
• Discuss the scope and jurisdiction of various federal and state courts.
• Identify and discuss the characteristics of legal language and the implication of these characteristics for the interpretation process.
• Discuss the legal foundation that provides deaf, hard of hearing and non-English speaking individuals with interpreting services during civil and criminal court procedures.
• Discuss the role of an interpreter in various aspects of the American judicial system.
• Discuss the use and role of interpreting teams in the American judicial system.
• Analyze a series of legal texts for the purpose of determining the function and meaning of the text.
• Generate an accurate and reliable interpretation of a series of legal texts taken from both criminal and civil proceedings for discussion and analysis with a supervising mentor.
• Discuss the quality and accuracy of interpretation work generated directly and/or observed directly.
• Identify and discuss the strategies and techniques that foster effective interpretation within the legal system.
• Discuss the principles and protocol associated with interpreting in the judicial system.
• Analyze ethical dilemmas and apply ethical standards and practices to the discussion of case studies involving interpreters performing services within the American judicial system.
• Create a plan of continued professional development related to interpreting in the American judicial system.

Requirements

Participants in this program must have the following:

• Access to a local court system for observations
• Internet access with highest speed possible
• Email address
• Windows 2000 or higher
• Microsoft Office
• Access to a DVD player
• Access to a DVD digital camcorder for taping skills work during the distance mentoring course component
• Availability to participate in a one-week onsite practicum during final semester (at your own expense) or make arrangements for a home community based practicum

Costs

Costs for the 2008-2009 Legal Interpeter Training Program with RSA-MARIE co-sponsorship is
estimated at $190 per credit hour (in-state and out-of state) plus books and materials.
Future costs will be influenced by University and State policy.

 

Application Process

Application Deadline: April 30, 2008

Please complete and send

- UNC Extended Studies Application
- UNC- DO IT Center application
- Copy of national certification if applicable

in one package to:
DO IT Center
UNC Lowry campus
1059 Alton Way - Box 7
Denver, CO 80230
Attention: Susan Brown

Download & complete all sections of the
UNC-DO IT Center Application

Download & complete the
UNC Extended Studies Application