What I Wish They Knew

I’m not the only one who dreams about “I wish that more people who come into contact with court interpreters (for whatever reason) knew that __________” right? So I am asking for all of you reading this to help me. If you were able to contribute to the preparation or training of the following groups, what topics would you include?

• Non-English-speaking/LEP litigants/witnesses
• English-speaking lawyers
• Bilingual (or “bilingual”) lawyers
• English-speaking law enforcement
• Bilingual (or “bilingual”) law enforcement
• Judicial officers
• The general public

I’m looking especially for things related to LEP individuals’ interactions with the justice system and/or how to work with an interpreter, but if you have anything you wish people knew about other cultures, the justice system in general, that would be great too!

Send us a comment! “If I could teach one thing to ___________, it would be ____________________________________________.”

Here’s one of mine: If I could teach one thing to the general public , it would be that pleading not guilty at arraignment is a formal part of the judicial process (and not the same as denying responsibility).

Your (anonymous) answers (and some more of mine) coming soon!