Translators

[albaqwerty]

I know in Scotland that a translator is sworn to translate honestly, (I presume it's the same in the rest of the UK)
But how does anyone else know if the translator IS actually translating in either direction honestly?

[dannyk13]

They don't.

[Barmaid]

Unless there is another speaker of the same language in Court no one would know.

However, I doubt a court appointed translator would risk it since it is very lucrative and repetitive work and losing their "Court appointed" status would be pretty devastating financially.

[albaqwerty]

that was my thought too. Seems a lot is just down to trust.

[dannyk13]

Whist serving in the police force I sometimes acted as an interpreter.One day I was sat in court when another approved translator came into court to translate for a woman accused of shoplifting.It soon became apparent that she was twisting what was being said to favour the prosecution.I reported her and she was taken of the list of approved translators. The accused woman had her conviction quashed.

[albaqwerty]

gosh, danny.
So much is taken on trust.
Am sure the accused was glad you were there

[dannyk13]

Pure luck that I was there Alba.

[albaqwerty]

I did notice the Sheriff broke her sentences (hah) down to give the translator a chance to translate.
Just hope he did the job correctly.

[New Judge]

Just on a point of order, interpreters work in courts as you describe. An interpreter translates orally, while a translator interprets written text.

Yes all court users have to adjust their method of address when an interpreter is involved. Often overlooked when the defendant has an interpreter is the fact that the defendant has to be able to understand everything that is said and not just that addressed to him. Other court users often forget this when, say, questioning a witness (who is not in need of an interpreter) and plough on, leaving the interpreter struggling.

[albaqwerty]

It was quite interesting NJ.
Hearing both Sheriff and'prosecuting' barrister slow down so translator could do his job.
Inter alia, and diet etc which also had to be explained.
Fascinating