Language proficiency and the right to an interpreter when accessing a fair trial

This paper explores the right to an interpreter as part of a fair trial under United Nations and Council Europe systems human rights. The is guaranteed both Article 14 International Covenant on Civil Political Rights 6 European Convention Human Rights. Under instruments, accused persons are entitled number minimum rights ensure trial. Both instruments hold that person has “have free assistance if he cannot understand or speak language used in court”. what this means reality for who seek avail themselves interpreter. Only those court However, it not always clear meant when we say ‘speaks’ ‘understands’ language. One may well day-to-day interactions second but be completely out their depth formal courtroom setting. Through comparison with same Statute Rome, analysis jurisprudence from Committee Court scope implications access justice.