Most Oregon Courts are open to the public for observation. It will be helpful to understand the role of the court interpreter by reading the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Oregon Courts. After carefully reviewing the Code, an interpreter candidate can begin doing court observation to improve legal vocabulary and to learn court proceedings and protocol.
Observation can be done in any circuit courts which are open to the public. The two busiest courthouses for interpreters in the state of Oregon are:
- Clackamas County Courthouse: 100 Courthouse Road Oregon City, OR 97045
- Marion County Courthouse: 100 High St. NE. Salem, OR 97301
- Multnomah County Courthouse: 1200 SW 1st Ave. Portland, OR 97204
- Washington County Courthouse: 150 N 21st Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97123
Courthouses are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The best times to observe court are around 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.