Expert Witnesses and Interpreters
EXPERT INTERPRETERS AND EXPERT WITNESSES
An interpreter's role is simply to provide an impartial interpretation of all communication and not to offer advice or opinions - even when asked. Although it is tempting to ask the interpreter questions about deafness or interpreting issues, to do so places the interpreter in an uncomfortable situation and may lead to a breach of their strict Codes of Ethics.
In this respect, counsel can be greatly assisted by the use of Expert Interpreters whose services are specifically booked on the understanding that they form part of the prosecution or defence team. Such interpreters then work with counsel and can offer specific advice on issues relating to their deaf client. They can assist in numerous ways, i.e. determining the best way of taking instructions, identifying cultural nuances, comment on other interpreter's interpretations (both video'd statements and live evidence), by suggesting of other specialists which may assist the defendant/witness and importantly, they are able to monitor the court interpretation for accuracy. This specialist knowledge can be invaluable to counsel who, without their advice, would not be aware of the many issues which affect deaf people's access to justice. Expert Interpreters are also able to interpret between the client and counsel.
An interpreter's role is simply to provide an impartial interpretation of all communication and not to offer advice or opinions - even when asked. Although it is tempting to ask the interpreter questions about deafness or interpreting issues, to do so places the interpreter in an uncomfortable situation and may lead to a breach of their strict Codes of Ethics.
In this respect, counsel can be greatly assisted by the use of Expert Interpreters whose services are specifically booked on the understanding that they form part of the prosecution or defence team. Such interpreters then work with counsel and can offer specific advice on issues relating to their deaf client. They can assist in numerous ways, i.e. determining the best way of taking instructions, identifying cultural nuances, comment on other interpreter's interpretations (both video'd statements and live evidence), by suggesting of other specialists which may assist the defendant/witness and importantly, they are able to monitor the court interpretation for accuracy. This specialist knowledge can be invaluable to counsel who, without their advice, would not be aware of the many issues which affect deaf people's access to justice. Expert Interpreters are also able to interpret between the client and counsel.
