Interpreters and the Legal System By Kathy Laster and Veronica Taylor

Competent interpreters are essential if a legal system is to serve the needs of a multicultural, multi-lingual society. Competent lawyers need to understand the issues of culture and language and how to work effectively with interpreters.

This book contains law, critique and a case study of the way in which legal culture is grappling with multiculturalism in Australia and New Zealand. It takes a contemporary approach to language and law, starting from the premise that culture, language and law are inexorably linked.

Contains detailed discussion of crucial topics such as:

• the legal 'right' to an interpreter
• interpreters in criminal investigations, courts and tribunals
• the role of interpreters and their strategic importance
• interpreter accountability and ethics.

CONTENTS

Accommodating Cultural Diversity within the Legal System

Interpreting in the Australian Context

Interpreters and the Legal Process

The 'Right' to an Interpreter

The Role of the Interpreter

Interpreters and Criminal Investigation

Interpreters and the Court

Interpreter Accountability and Ethics

Appendices

Federal and State legislation relating to interpreters

AUSIT Code of Ethics for interpreters and translators/Victorian Ethnic Affairs Commission Code of Ethics for Legal Interpreters

Summary of guidelines for working with professional interpreters

Table of Cases/ Table of Statutes/ References/ Index