ASL Interpreting adds value to the lives of the Deaf community by making communication accessible. This makes the involvement of ASL interpreters extremely important in many situations. One such area where professional interpreting is needed is in the legal system. 

The need for interpreting services becomes especially apparent in legal settings. The legal system is built to deliver justice by bringing out the truth about matters. However, when there is a huge communication gap between those involved, justice can be delayed or worse, denied. 

Not being able to properly communicate or not having people understand what they want to say, can be extremely frustrating for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. When this communication gap begins to hinder justice, it becomes a problem that affects the Deaf community and everyone involved in the legal system. This is where legal interpreters step in. 

Together, let us explore what legal interpreting is, what is the need for it, and how it can help alleviate the troubles of the Deaf. 

Compliance with legal requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the right of Deaf, blind-deaf, and hard-of-hearing people to receive justice. It assures that the Deaf community, like their hearing peers, has easy and equal access to the justice system. It is, therefore, mandatory for courts to accommodate the community by deciding on effective modes of communication. 

In adherence to this law, the legal system can work in tandem with ASL legal interpreters, legal interpreter services, assistive listening devices, and/or transcription services. 

You might wonder how the court determines the most effective mode of communication. They are required to ask the deaf person what they need to make communication more convenient. 

Who are legal interpreters? 

Legal Interpreting is a specialized branch of ASL interpreting. The legal system involves various points of interaction where clear communication is key. Legal settings such as interactions with the attorney, investigations and interrogations, interviews, and court proceedings require intensive communication. These practices are generally built around a system that believes that everyone speaks the same language. 

ASL Legal Interpreters allow for a smooth flow of communication despite there being a difference in the preferred language. 

Credentials for working as a legal interpreter

Legal settings can be quite complicated. As an interpreter, it is important to have a thorough understanding of legal terminologies and proceedings of the specific country. 

Apart from working on the credentials needed to become a professional ASL interpreter, legal interpreters have to meet other requirements as well. These include- 

• Having a Specialist Certificate: Legal (SC:L)

or

• Acquiring 80 hours of legal interpreting training

Crime reporting and Criminal investigations

Legal Interpreting starts with reporting crimes. A communication gap can make it frustrating or impossible for victims to speak out. The ability to report crimes effectively and accurately is the first step to acquiring justice. In times of distress, trying to make someone understand what you are saying can cause further distress. Legal interpreters assist people by bridging the communication gap. 

ASL legal interpreting, therefore, makes it easier for the Deaf community to report acts of injustice. Legal interpreters can help the victim feel at ease by making communication and comprehension easier. 

Another area where legal interpreters can assist the Deaf community is legal investigations. Communication gaps can send criminal investigations astray and can alter the outcome. Here, legal interpreting can provide clarity to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. This, in turn, is a great help to the legal system as it removes potential barriers to collecting evidence and accurate statements. 

By including ASL legal interpreters, Deaf people can effectively give accurate statements and help the investigation move along smoothly and quickly. Legal interpreters also result in the efficient utilization of legal resources by removing any communication gaps and speeding up the process of criminal investigations

ASL Interpreters in court settings

When working in a court setting, ASL interpreters have two primary responsibilities- 

1. Assisting the accused
2. Assisting the prosecution

Assisting the accused

While assisting an accused person, the legal interpreter’s first role is to make the accused understand the charges and allegations against them. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may have a difficult time understanding the exact charges filed against them due to the communication gap. To be able to provide evidence and statements, and prepare for the right defense, they need to be aware of what they’re fighting against. An ASL legal interpreter helps them with this. 

Interpreters are also responsible for making their clients aware of what is to come– the court proceedings that will follow. Even if the accused deaf person has committed a serious crime, they have the right to be able to understand what is truly going on. 

Assisting the prosecution

ASL legal interpreters can also help the judicial system in enforcing the law and serving justice. As mentioned, legal interpreters expedite court proceedings by bridging the communication gap. The absence of a specialized interpreter may bring the proceedings to a halt, resulting in a delay. 

Conclusion

Legal interpreting might be seen as an unnecessary service or might be overlooked. The truth, however, is that it is a necessity. It doesn’t just help the Deaf community in getting justice, but it also helps the state in enforcing laws and conducting just and effective trials. To avoid punishing the innocent, effective communication is key. 

ASL Legal Interpreters uphold the rights of the Deaf while also assisting the state. The importance of specialized ASL interpreters in legal settings cannot be negated. It is equally important to find the right interpreters, who are certified in handling legal matters and are dedicated to bringing about justice. 

Unspoken Language Services works with professional ASL interpreters who facilitate communication without letting personal biases and beliefs affect their work. Unspoken interpreters offer legal assistance during Legal Depositions, Administrative and legislative Hearings, Attorney and Client Meetings, and Court-Ordered Treatment Programs. Think you need legal interpreting services? Contact us to have your interpreting needs met!  

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Sora Shimazaki