The NOTIS Legal Division invites you to join:
Bridging Legal Systems: National Criminal Procedure in Latin America vs. U.S. Federal Courts
Presented by Katty Kauffman
Workshop Overview:
Legal interpreters working in criminal cases must navigate the complexities of two distinct sets of judicial systems: the criminal justice systems of Latin America and U.S. court systems. This course provides an in-depth comparative analysis of criminal procedure reforms in key Latin American jurisdictions—Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico—and contrasts them with U.S. federal criminal procedure.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of terminological differences, procedural stages, and legal frameworks that impact their work in federal courts and state courts, particularly in Washington State. Special emphasis will be placed on terminological shifts resulting from legal reforms and the interpreter’s role in ensuring accurate, technically appropriate renditions.
Through case studies, procedural flowcharts, and guided terminology exercises, participants will enhance their ability to interpret accurately in U.S. federal and state legal settings when working with Latin American legal concepts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key procedural differences between national criminal justice systems in Latin America and the U.S. federal criminal procedure, including stages from arrest to sentencing.
2. Understand and apply specialized legal terminology used in Latin American criminal procedure, with reference to key reforms that have standardized terminology.
3. Analyze procedural flowcharts from Latin American national systems and the U.S. federal system to improve their ability to anticipate terminology and procedural steps during interpretation.
4. Compare and contrast equivalent legal concepts such as arraignment vs. audiencia de imputación and plea bargaining vs. salida alterna, ensuring accurate renditions. When relevant, explore Washington State-specific terminology and procedural differences.
Click HERE for the Course Outline
When?
April 5th, 2025, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. PST. Check-in at 8:50 a.m.
Where? 
Three days in advance, and again the day before the event, you will receive reminder emails with log-on instructions. Email or Text/Call 425-247-0684 (voice message only) if you don't receive a reminder. Skype Name: live:notisnet
Cost:
$55 for NOTIS members, $85 for nonmembers (Click to Join NOTIS)
Requirements:
Before you register, make sure that your online setup meets the equipment and connectivity requirements. Please read these Requirements before proceeding with your registration.
CE Credits:
Credit status will be updated upon approval.
| |
Credits Requested |
Approval Status |
| WA State AOC (Administrative of courts) |
3 general |
Approved |
| OJD (Oregon Judicial Department) |
3 language specific credits |
Approved |
| ATA (American Translators Association) |
3 credits (Category A) |
Approved |
| CIMCE (California Court Interpreter Minimum Continuing Education) |
2.75 hours |
Approved (CIMCE#: L7702) |
Who is teaching?
Katty Kauffman is a seasoned conference and legal interpreter with a deep understanding of both Latin American and U.S. legal systems. She holds a law degree from Pedro de Valdivia School of Law in Santiago, Chile, and a certificate in Comparative U.S./Latin American Legal Reforms from American University’s Washington College of Law. A member of NAJIT and AIIC, she has contributed to the 2nd Edition of Fundamentals of Court Interpretation and served on the Editorial Board for the 2nd Edition of Sandro Tomasi's Criminal Law Dictionary. A sought-after speaker on Latin American criminal procedure reforms, Katty previously worked as a staff interpreter for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She now freelances as a conference and court interpreter from her home base in Washington, D.C.
Certificates of Attendance will be awarded to all who arrive on time and stay for the entire workshop. Please allow yourself enough time to log on and sign in before the webshop begins. While latecomers are welcome to stay for the educational value of the webshop, we will not provide CE credit if you arrive late, for any reason.
No refunds can be given after April 1. A $15 processing fee will apply for refunds requested before the date. Contact NOTIS for cancellation. Transfer of credits to another workshop is not allowed. No refunds will be given for reasons unrelated to this content, such as unstable internet connection, issues with the third party applications, not receiving reminders, or problems with system requirements.
Be sure to read System Requirements for Zoom.
NOTE: This workshop will be recorded, and the recording will be available for registrants to view for one month after the workshop date.
Have questions about registration?
12819 SE 38th St. #205,