Imagine being arrested in a country where you did not speak the language. Imagine not being provided an interpreter.

Federal Judge Richard Bilby has seen it happen, and he was honored last week for his work to provide defendants with certified interpreters.

The National Center for Interpretation Testing, Research and Policy has its Summer Institute for Court Interpretation at the UA.

In its 12th year, the summer program has 51 students, said Victoria Vasquez, assistant director of the program. She said Bilby has opened his courtroom and federal archives to the program for use in training interpreters.

Charles Geoffrion, UA associate vice president for research, honored Bilby, along with about 80 program participants, officials and others.

"No single judge has worked harder," Geoffrion said. "We honor him for a lifetime commitment to court interpreters, the newest professional in the courtroom."

Bilby said it is a tragedy if someone charged with a crime cannot participate in their trial.

"Most people who come here are desperately poor and get into trouble," Bilby said of immigrants who enter the country illegally. "Less than half fully comprehend what is going on in court. Many defendants hold on to the interpreter for dear life."

Bilby said interpreting is an exhausting, but important job.

"If you make a mistake, it could cost a person their life or their freedom," he said.