FRENCH COURTS

At the start of the hearing, the presiding judge will inform the parties and lawyers that an interpreter will translate the statements of a party or witness.

This interpreter must be sworn, in order for these statements to be taken into account during the court hearing.

The interpreter’s role is to faithfully translate the statements made. The interpreter is bound by professional secrecy and, therefore, should not discuss their notes or what they have heard and translated with anyone afterwards. This is even more so the case when the hearing is held in camera, as is the case during the investigation in particular.

There are two ways of translating orally: consecutively and simultaneously. Consecutive interpretating requires the interpreter to take notes and transcribe the words as they are spoken. Simultaneous interpretating requires the interpreter to translate at the same time as they hear the speech during the hearing.

This requires equipment as soon as there are more than two people requiring this translation service. Otherwise, for a single person, the interpreter can translate through chuchotage and by speaking directly to the audience to translate into the opposite
language direction.

The interpreter does not interrupt the speech but, on the contrary, allows it to flow more smoothly. Magistrates are mindful of the quality of the interpreter who assists you as it can simplify their job and contribute to the quality of the hearing and, ultimately, of their decision.