Students from the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Translation and Interpretation program have been participating in interpreter shadowing opportunities within the Nebraska Judicial Branch, according to an April 21 announcement. For about six years, these students have observed interpreters working during various court proceedings both in person in Buffalo, Hall, and Adams Counties and remotely via Zoom in Douglas County.
The program aims to give students real-world experience with legal interpretation while highlighting the professionalism required for such roles. Students attended a range of hearings—including arraignments, small claims cases, sentencings, and preliminary hearings—covering topics from DUIs and drug possession to felony assault and traffic offenses.
Professor Angela Monterroso said, “I hope you know how much we appreciate all of the interpreters and their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with us.” Students consistently report being impressed by the speed, precision, language skills, and confidence displayed by interpreters who often enter courtrooms without prior knowledge of specific cases. The preparation involved before each session has also made a strong impression on participants.
The State of Nebraska Judicial Branch engages communities through educational efforts like traveling oral arguments at schools as well as resources on guardianship and mediation according to the official website. It maintains court facilities across the state to ensure public access according to the official website, operating across 18 judicial districts that cover both urban and rural areas according to the official website.
The branch is led by a Supreme Court composed of seven justices along with judges from appellate, district, and county courts according to the official website. To support consistent operations statewide it uses standardized rules and forms according to the official website while focusing on delivering justice with integrity as well as supporting self-represented litigants according to the official website.
As more students participate in these shadowing opportunities each year they gain a deeper understanding of what it takes for interpreters—and for courts—to provide fair access for everyone involved.
