Procedure for Translating to Legal Equivalence [Part 1]

Procedure for Translating to Legal Equivalence

The procedure for translating to legal equivalence differs from country to country.

In South Africa, the translator must be authorized by the High Court, and must use an original (or a sworn copy of an original) in his physical presence as his source text. The translator may only swear by his own translation. There is no requirement for an additional witness (such as a notary) to attest to the authenticity of the translation.

In Mexico, some local instances, such as the Superior Court of Justice, establish that a written and oral examination shall be passed for a translator to be recognized as an expert or "sworn" translator (this kind of translator does not swear before the court to be authorized).

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states: "There is currently no universal form of certification required of interpreters and translators in the United States, but there are a variety of different tests that workers can take to demonstrate proficiency." Source

To read part 2 of this series, please click here.

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