Court interpreters struggling to prepare for lay jury system

Sunday 29th March, 06:20 AM JST

By Miya Tanaka

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6 Comments

sharky1 at 09:08 AM JST - 29th March

The point that I am getting from this article is that under the current system, the courts are incompetent, and under the new system this problem will be exacerbated.
huberts2 at 09:29 AM JST - 29th March

The case makes the obvious need for a competent interpreter. How often can it be said the defendant had no idea what is being said, or by who. However the situation describes the defendant being asked "did you do it?" which by Western Standards doesn't occur, that is being subject to questioning and particuarly 'direct' questioning on the subject of guilt or otherwise, in their courts. Surely this hasn't been proposed, or doesn't exist,in Japanese Criminal Court proceedings? ( J. lawyer response invited ) However if this so just one interpreter is inadequate for who is going to convey to the defendant how the interpreter 'interpreted' the defendants response to questions.
BBLeo at 11:44 AM JST - 29th March

Oh brother this will cost a lot of money in the future. It is only about a month to go for 'lay jury,' and Japan still hasn't finalized every corner of justice. I can imagine what fracas that will be on the beginning. Interpreters are very important part in justice system, and such people should be well qualified how to interpret the wordings from accused. Will prosecution have different interpreter from defense? 'INTERPRETERS SHOULD HAVE UNIVERISTY DREGREE TO DO SUCH JOBS.'
Statistician at 03:43 PM JST - 29th March

So what exactly is the problem? In most other countries they have a REAL jury system and manage translation competently.
gogogo at 10:47 PM JST - 29th March

Total disregard for foreigners the translators have a real hard time.
soldave at 08:51 AM JST - 30th March

Can see the next big idea. "Well foreigners are probably guilty so let's just forego a trial and save the hard-working translators (who do work very hard in a stressful job) the extra work".