Interpreters

If you cannot understand English well, it is very important that you tell the Magistrate that your English is not good and that you require an interpreter. If your case is a criminal or a domestic violence matter, the Court will arrange and pay for an interpreter for you. That will not happen that day. You will have to come back on another day so this can be arranged.  

If your case is a civil matter (other than a domestic violence matter), you will need to arrange and pay for the interpreter yourself.

When you do get access to an interpreter, it is very important that you understand that they are only there to interpret the language; they are not your legal adviser. It is also important to understand that interpreters are independent and owe a duty to the Court to be impartial (that is, not to take sides, to be objective and simply do their job as an interpreter).  Interpreters may be present in the courtroom, or they may be on the telephone.