As more court hearings move online, Virtual Interpreters have become an essential part of ensuring justice is accessible to everyone—especially for people with limited English proficiency or who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
But to successfully access and use a virtual interpreter in a legal setting, both courts and participants need the right technology in place.
So, what exactly do you need? Here’s a simple breakdown of the technology required to connect with a virtual interpreter in a court case.
Stable Internet Connection
A fast and reliable internet connection is the most important requirement. Poor internet can cause delays, frozen video, or unclear audio—making it difficult for interpreters to do their job properly.
- Minimum speed: At least 5 Mbps for upload and download
- Best practice: Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible
- Avoid: Public Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots that may be unstable
Device with Camera and Microphone
Virtual interpretation usually happens over video, so you’ll need a device with:
- A working webcam (for video interpretation)
- A built-in or external microphone and speakers
- Headphones are highly recommended to reduce background noise and improve audio clarity
Devices you can use:
- Desktop computer or laptop (Windows or Mac)
- Tablet (like an iPad or Android)
- Smartphone (iOS or Android)
Tip: Laptops and desktops offer better stability and performance than mobile devices for court proceedings.
Video Conferencing Platform
Courts use secure, pre-approved platforms for remote hearings and interpretation. Some of the most common ones include:
- Zoom for Government
- Cisco Webex
- Microsoft Teams
- BlueJeans
- Google Meet (less common for courts, but still used)
Make sure your device has the latest version of the required platform installed.
Access Credentials and Links
To join a virtual court session with an interpreter, you’ll usually receive:
- A meeting link or access code from the court or your lawyer
- Interpreter assignment info (language, name, or dial-in instructions)
- Any required login credentials or pre-check instructions
Always test your connection and log in at least 10–15 minutes early to troubleshoot any issues.
Quiet and Private Space
While this isn’t a piece of “technology,” it’s just as important. A quiet, private space:
- Helps interpreters hear and communicate clearly
- Reduces background distractions
- Maintains the confidentiality and professionalism of the hearing
Courts may reschedule or pause sessions if the environment isn’t suitable for interpretation.
Optional: Interpreter Integration Tools
Some courts or legal teams use specialized tools such as:
- Language interpretation features in Zoom (lets interpreter and speaker be on different audio channels)
- Digital court platforms like CourtCall or OpenCourt with built-in interpreter modules
- Phone-based backup interpretation lines for emergencies
These tools are usually handled by the court’s tech team but are worth knowing about if you’re a legal professional.
Who Sets Up the Interpreter?
In most cases, the court is responsible for scheduling and connecting the interpreter—either on their own platform or through a professional language service provider like Interpreto.
Attorneys and defendants may also request interpreters in advance or provide their own virtual interpretation service if allowed by the court.
