Sengupta, Swati

Transmitting the voice of non-French-speaking defendants: essential for a fair trial - 2024.


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In the complex field of multilingual proceedings, the voice of non-French-speaking defendants is fragile, at risk of being overlooked, misinterpreted or even lost during a trial. As language professionals, interpreters play an essential role in bridging language gaps to ensure that the voice of the accused is faithfully transmitted. However, their effectiveness depends on a number of factors, such as a thorough understanding of the legal context and culture, and the cooperation of jurists. A delicate balance between linguistic interpretation and the interpretative power of judges in multilingual legal proceedings is essential in ensuring that the rights of non-French speakers are upheld.