Pilot Workshop for Legal Professionals and Legal Interpreters: Videoconferencing and Interpreting in Criminal Proceedings

Criminal justice services are increasingly turning to videoconference technology as a means of increasing efficiency, in both national and cross-border proceedings.

Such proceedings often require an interpreter, leading to a variety of settings.

On the one hand, interpreters have to be integrated into video links when a remote participant – such as a witness abroad or a defendant in prison – requires an interpreter.

On the other hand, video links can also be used to access an interpreter who is located at a remote site such as a centralised videoconferencing hub.

References to ‘remote interpreting’ by video link are incorporated in adopted and emerging European legislation, most notably in Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings.

The workshop will:

• Provide an introduction to current and emerging European legislation relating to the use of video links in criminal proceedings;
• Give an insight into how video links are currently being used in various criminal justice settings in Europe;
• Give the participants an opportunity to observe and participate in role-plays illustrating the combined use of videoconferencing and interpreting in legal communication;
• Provide an opportunity for discussing the challenges arising;
• Provide guidelines on interpreting, and on working with an interpreter, in a videoconference setting, as appropriate.

The workshop will be delivered in English and French. Materials and refreshments will be provided.

Attendance is free, however spaces are strictly limited.

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