Truth through Court Interpreters

International Journal of Evidence & Proof, Vol. 13, pp. 212-224, 2009

8 Pages Posted: 10 Jun 2009 Last revised: 13 Mar 2011

See all articles by A. K. C. Koo

A. K. C. Koo

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law

Date Written: April 25, 2009

Abstract

This article examines the law and ethical principles applicable to the interpretation of trial evidence as developed in Hong Kong, but with comparative reference to other jurisdictions where pertinent. The rationale for the right to interpretation and the main applicable precepts are considered. An examination of case law indicates a general lack of awareness amongst legal practitioners and judges of the evidential and ethical rules applicable to court interpretation, which may in some cases lead to miscarriages of justice and quashed convictions. The article concludes by arguing for a reappraisal of the importance of court interpretation and for making an understanding of the relevant rules more central to the discipline of criminal evidence.

Keywords: Criminal trials, Hong Kong, Right to interpretation, Fair trial, Ethical codes

Suggested Citation

Koo, A. K. C., Truth through Court Interpreters (April 25, 2009). International Journal of Evidence & Proof, Vol. 13, pp. 212-224, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1416478

A. K. C. Koo (Contact Author)

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law ( email )

St Cross Building
St Cross Road
Oxford, OX1 3UL
United Kingdom

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
93
Abstract Views
821
Rank
572,227
PlumX Metrics