Court interpreting in Turkey and evaluation in terms of occupational standards for translation

People who do not know language of the country where they are present get help from community interpreters to use public services in the country. One of the public institutions is court. They could face with language barrier during legal procedures if they are included in a trial for any reason as victim, witness, suspect or defendant. Defending/testifying in language of the user of interpreting services is defined as fair trial in the relevant regulations. This service ensures fair trial for those who do not know language used in the jurisdiction of the country. Turkish courts assign court interpreters for fair trial. Ministry of Justice prepares lists on requirements for court interpreters, so they do their tasks fast and effectively. It is observed on lists that there are some deficiencies which would affect quality and functionality of interpretation, and there is a requirement for occupational standards for translation. Occupational Standards for Translation are used in this study due to the lack of occupational standard for court interpreting. Criteria in these standards are analyzed within the context of court interpreting in the light of Theory of Translational Action and Skopos theory with descriptive analysis method. As a result, it is observed that occupational standards for translation include applicable conditions aiming to develop translation quality in court interpreting. Key Words: community interpreting, court interpreting, fair trial, national occupational standards for translation, occupational standard, functional theories