Videoconference and Remote Interpreting

AVIDICUS 1 and 2

Assessment of Video-Mediated Interpreting in the Criminal Justice Service

EU Criminal Justice Programme, Project JLS/2008/JPEN/037, 2008-2011

EU Criminal Justice Programme, Project JUST/2010/JPEN/AG/1558, 2011-2013

AVIDICUS 1 (completed) and AVIDICUS 2 (ongoing) are two European projects that explore the use of vide-mediated 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 ('videoconference interpreting'). 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 ('remote interpreting'). 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 multi-annual European e-Justice Action Plan 2009-2013 considers videoconferencing as being of a particular importance in order to simplify and encourage communication between judicial authorities. To use its full potential in multilingual proceedings that involve an interpreter it is, however, necessary to ensure that the outcomes of the proceedings are not adversely affected by the combined use of VC technology and interpreters. The AVIDICUS 1 project has provided an initial assessment of video-mediated interpreting. This work has indicated a growing demand for video-mediated interpreting in all areas of criminal justice but also a considerable lack of knowledge among legal practitioners (e.g. judges, prosecutors, solicitors, police officers) and interpreters about these forms of interpreting. Equally importantly, the findings suggest that whilst basic practical problems with video-mediated interpreting may be resolved quickly through initial training and familiarization, the combined complexities of technological mediation (through videoconference) and linguistic-cultural mediation (through an interpreter) also create deeper-rooted behavioural and communication problems which may change the dynamic of legal communication. The investigation of such problems is one of the major objectives of AVIDICUS 2.

Click on these links for more information about AVIDICUS 1 and AVIDICUS 2.

The results of the AVIDICUS 1 project are available as an online book which includes a collection of papers on the topic:

Braun, S. & J.L. Taylor (Eds) (2011). Videoconference and remote interpreting in criminal proceedings. Univ. of Surrey. Online: http://www.videoconference-interpreting.net/BraunTaylor2011.html.