Interpreting for Intermediaries in Court

Intermediaries (like interpreters) facilitate communication but intermediaries work only with vulnerable clients such as witnesses or defendants who have learning difficulties.

They have to ensure that the client has fair access to justice, can fully engage with the court process and properly express themselves. Like interpreters they must remain impartial at all times.

For the interpreter the presence of an intermediary may be perceived to be helpful or even in some cases to be a hindrance. At the very least, an intermediary is yet another person in the room who requires interpretation services.

The webinar will explore:

1. Who might need an intermediary in court

2. Who are intermediaries: volunteers, professionals

3. The role of the intermediary via a vis the client

4. The role of the interpreter vis a vis the intermediary and / or the client

5. The shared goal of achieving access to justice via communication

6. Differences in roles and potential duplication of the functions of interpreters and intermediaries

Key take-aways:

• A better understanding of the role of intermediaries in court settings

• Clarification as to the skills and communication aids used by intermediaries

• Best practice for interpreters working with intermediaries

This webinar will be presented by lawyer/linguist Sue Leschen FCIL CL who has experience of working with intermediaries in court settings since their introduction in 2022.