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.
Contact Court Language Access Services if you are interested in observing an interpreted event. Please include the county, the dates and times you are available, and what language you are interested in observing.
Court Observation Helpful Hints
- Suggested types of hearings to observe: community court, diversion, small claims, drug call, arraignments, traffic, STOP court, show cause, status checks, and pleas.
- Consider observing hearings when no interpreter is present. This will allow you to focus on what is happening in the courtroom, who the players are, and vocabulary in English that may not be familiar to you
- Dressing for court: Appropriate attire includes dresses, skirts, slacks, button-up shirts, jackets, and ties. Anything above the knee, short sleeves or sleeveless attire, flip-flops or crocs, or jeans are not appropriate for the courtroom.
- Bring a notebook and pens to practice note-taking and copying down vocabulary to add to your legal glossary.