How to get a Witness to Testify When They Don't Speak English

Are you going to trial with everything prepared to prove your case except that one witness doesn’t speak English? This setback does not need to be barrier in a court trial. All you need is a professional interpreter to be present at the trial to translate and your witness’ testimony will be accepted. Here are a few suggestions to follow to help get your witness’ evidence in to trial.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go to the courthouse and find out what language interpreters the court will provide without a cost to you. If your witness requires one of these interpreters, then the court will arrange for that interpreter to be present at your trial.
2. If the language interpreter you require is not provided by the court, then it is your responsibility to provide an official interpreter. Ask the court office clerk how to get in touch with the office of interpreters so you can request one. This will be an expense for you.
3. In most cases, a family member or friend does not qualify as an acceptable interpreter because the people who don’t understand the language have no way of proving that what is being interpreted is what was actually said by the witness on the stand.
4. The interpreter, who will also be sworn in, will repeat verbatim what is being said by the witness so that the record is accurate and so that there is no prejudice to either party. If the witness can verify any documents, their testimony will be recorded as such.
5. You will need to inform both the court office and the other party ahead of time what language interpreter will be present at the trial.

Tips & Warnings

• The cost of an interpreter can be expensive and you need to be prepared to pay this in advance of their court appearance. But if you win your case you can claim this cost as one of your expenses.