The role of interpreters in access to justice

• In Event: Sentencing 8. Novel Approaches in Sentencing Research

Abstract

This research is focused on the work of interpreters and on their contribution in overcoming the cultural barriers of foreign citizens involved in criminal justice procedures. These barriers are related, among other aspects, to the difficulties of accessing justice in conditions of being understood and of being able to express oneself as a victim, as a person accused of committing an offence or as a witness to a crime, but also to understand what is happening at different moments in the judicial process.
To better understand the problem of language and cultural barriers in criminal proceedings, it is necessary to collect data close to where the action takes place. For this reason, we have used qualitative methodology. On the one hand, we have conducted semi structured interviews with a diverse group of judicial interpreters, which have resulted in the collection of the experiences and perspectives of the professionals in charge of interpretation. Moreover, we have conducted non-participant observation in lower and higher criminal courts in Barcelona and Girona where non-Spanish speakers have been involved, with and without interpreters. Additionally, we have interviewed a small sample of criminal justice professionals (judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers) on their experiences and with interpreters. The results of this research will be presented, identifying key elements in professional practices and interactions in court, and pointing at areas that allow for improvement. Moreover, results show the need of further research on various issues, such as interpreting for particularly vulnerable persons, such as children or the mentally ill.

Authors

• Ester Blay Gil, University of Girona

• Ignacio González Sanchez, University of Girona