Freedom & future: Court interpreter explains critical role in ensuring justice for all
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is celebrating "Hispanic Heritage Month" and is taking you to a place of justice. Our team dove into how court interpreters help ensure everyone has a fair trial -- even those facing obstacles like language barriers. 8News Reporter Sierra Krug has reported on many trials in Central Virginia and watched the incredible way interpreters listen to every voice in a courtroom, process it and repeat it in a different language -- all in real time. While Krug has seen the process in action, she recently had the chance to speak with, Manuela Crisp, a court interpreter to learn more about the passion behind this career path. "There is a lot of pressure," Crisp, a renowned court interpreter, said while standing outside the Chesterfield County courthouse. If you live in the United States, you're likely familiar with the phrase, "liberty and justice for all." The justice system is an integral part of American society, but a broad spectrum of cultures join together in legal proceedings. Oftentimes key witnesses, spectators and even defendants don't speak English. "The defendant's freedom [and] future depends -- not so much on you -- but on how you interpret what he or she is saying to have a fair trial," Crisp explained. It can be scary enough walking into any courthouse. Patrons usually can't have phones and it's hard to figure out where to go. Crisp says adding a language barrier to that mix only amplifies that confusion. "We help by interpreting everything," Crisp said. "And we do it completely and accurately; meaning that we cannot summarize, we cannot edit or add anything." There's a wide array of languages that need interpreting in any courthouse, but for Hispanic Heritage Month, we're focusing on Spanish -- the most common non-English language in Virginia. That's when the integrity of a trial falls on interpreters like Crisp. She says she can't space out or lose concentration at any moment. Her brain works a mile a minute for an entire trial as she picks up every word uttered and repeats it quietly into an audio device for those who can't understand. "The legal environment can be a little confusing and a little intimidating to even native English speakers," Crisp remarked. "So, just imagine if you do not know the language, it can be a little more confusing or intimidating." More than 908,000 Virginians are of Hispanic heritage and 33% of Latino students report having limited English proficiency. Interpreters can't be "just comfortable" — or even fluent — in a language. The job requires endless studying. They're constantly learning new legal jargon in multiple languages. "I love it when somebody comes concerned or worried and they don't know what's going to happen and they understand everything," Crisp smiled. "And you can see that you can help somebody that otherwise would be struggling to be in a legal proceeding." Born in Mexico City, Crisp is proud of her Mexican culture. She loves sharing it with her children but also passes down her passion for linguistics — using the beauty of language to help people on what can be their hardest, most vulnerable days. Crisp shared a message to the non-English speaking community. "We're here to help them," Crisp assured. "I don't want the language barrier to keep them from fully participating in a legal proceeding. We are here for them." Crisp brings her talents all across the region, so she's never just staying in one place. She told 8News that she's proud of her Mexican culture and enjoys being able to help members of the Latino community in such a critical way.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is celebrating "Hispanic Heritage Month" and is taking you to a place of justice. Our team dove into how court interpreters help ensure everyone has a fair trial -- even those facing obstacles like language barriers.
8News Reporter Sierra Krug has reported on many trials in Central Virginia and watched the incredible way interpreters listen to every voice in a courtroom, process it and repeat it in a different language -- all in real time.
While Krug has seen the process in action, she recently had the chance to speak with, Manuela Crisp, a court interpreter to learn more about the passion behind this career path.
"There is a lot of pressure," Crisp, a renowned court interpreter, said while standing outside the Chesterfield County courthouse.
If you live in the United States, you're likely familiar with the phrase, "liberty and justice for all." The justice system is an integral part of American society, but a broad spectrum of cultures join together in legal proceedings. Oftentimes key witnesses, spectators and even defendants don't speak English.
"The defendant's freedom [and] future depends -- not so much on you -- but on how you interpret what he or she is saying to have a fair trial," Crisp explained.
It can be scary enough walking into any courthouse. Patrons usually can't have phones and it's hard to figure out where to go. Crisp says adding a language barrier to that mix only amplifies that confusion.
"We help by interpreting everything," Crisp said. "And we do it completely and accurately; meaning that we cannot summarize, we cannot edit or add anything."
There's a wide array of languages that need interpreting in any courthouse, but for Hispanic Heritage Month, we're focusing on Spanish -- the most common non-English language in Virginia. That's when the integrity of a trial falls on interpreters like Crisp. She says she can't space out or lose concentration at any moment. Her brain works a mile a minute for an entire trial as she picks up every word uttered and repeats it quietly into an audio device for those who can't understand.
"The legal environment can be a little confusing and a little intimidating to even native English speakers," Crisp remarked. "So, just imagine if you do not know the language, it can be a little more confusing or intimidating."
More than 908,000 Virginians are of Hispanic heritage and 33% of Latino students report having limited English proficiency. Interpreters can't be "just comfortable" — or even fluent — in a language. The job requires endless studying. They're constantly learning new legal jargon in multiple languages.
"I love it when somebody comes concerned or worried and they don't know what's going to happen and they understand everything," Crisp smiled. "And you can see that you can help somebody that otherwise would be struggling to be in a legal proceeding."
Born in Mexico City, Crisp is proud of her Mexican culture. She loves sharing it with her children but also passes down her passion for linguistics — using the beauty of language to help people on what can be their hardest, most vulnerable days.
Crisp shared a message to the non-English speaking community.
"We're here to help them," Crisp assured. "I don't want the language barrier to keep them from fully participating in a legal proceeding. We are here for them."
Crisp brings her talents all across the region, so she's never just staying in one place. She told 8News that she's proud of her Mexican culture and enjoys being able to help members of the Latino community in such a critical way.
