Legal translation is one of the most difficult types of translation. Legal texts are extremely precise and their translations require proficiency both in the scope of foreign language as well as Polish and foreign legislation. Made for the purposes of significant matters such as international agreements, notarial deeds or court judgments, such translations must be characterised by high accuracy. Why are legal translations so special? Let’s find out!
Precision in translation
Legal translations must be highly accurate because each change in wording or own interpretation can lead to serious legal consequences. Even a small error in translation of legal documents can lead to invalidity of an agreement, change of meaning of legal provisions or problems with law enforcement in various jurisdictions. Therefore, a sworn translator of legal English language must demonstrate perfect knowledge of both legal terminology as well as the target language.
Source: iStock
Legal terminology – a challenge for translators
Specific terminology is the challenge of legal translations. Various legal systems have various terminology which may not have direct equivalents in other languages. A person translating legal documents must know the nomenclature and how various national legal systems function.
For instance, in the Anglo-Saxon system, which is based on common law, many terms do not have direct equivalents in the continental law. In such cases, a translator of Polish-English texts must adapt terminology in a way that ensures compliance of a translation with the law of the target country. In order to ensure compliance of legal document translations with local regulations, sometimes knowledge of a language is not sufficient and consultations with lawyers are indispensable.
A sworn translator and a lawyer in one person
From the customer’s point of view, an ideal situation is cooperation with a translation office in which specialists are not only English philologists but also educated lawyers. The Office of a Sworn Translator of the English Language Jacek Kasprzyk is an example of such a reliable service provider. For many years, it has been providing certified legal translation services on the Wrocław market successfully, providing translations that are accurate and acknowledged by public offices.
Legal document translations – various types
Translation of legal documents covers a wide range of documents which vary in terms of their complexity. The most frequently translated legal documents include:
- International agreements – each change in translation can change the meaning of the entire agreement, thus precision in translation is immensely important.
- Notarial deeds and certifications – these documents require precise representation of the content, including maintaining relevant forms and legal terminology.
- Court judgments – translation of judgments and other court decisions requires special attention to avoid distortion of the court’s decision.
- Legal regulations – translation of acts and regulations requires considerable accuracy and knowledge to ensure compliance of provisions with a legal system applicable in a given country.
Source: iStock
Translation of legal documents – summary
Translators of legal documents frequently encounter difficulties connected with differences between legal systems and must demonstrate profound knowledge of industry-specific terminology. In some situations, particularly in case of international agreements, not only precise translation but also adapting provisions to applicable provisions of various countries is required. This is the reason for which a sworn translator of the English language can consider legal translations unique. If you are interested in the subject, see the following video:
What Skills Does A Legal Translator Need?