Article 14: Right to Equality before Courts and Tribunals and to Fair Trial - replaces GC No. 13 2007, para. 40
Paragraph
Paragraph text
The right to have the free assistance of an interpreter if the accused cannot understand or speak the language used in court as provided for by article 14, paragraph 3 (f) enshrines another aspect of the principles of fairness and equality of arms in criminal proceedings. This right arises at all stages of the oral proceedings. It applies to aliens as well as to nationals. However, accused persons whose mother tongue differs from the official court language are, in principle, not entitled to the free assistance of an interpreter if they know the official language sufficiently to defend themselves effectively.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Human Rights Committee
Document type
General Comment / Recommendation
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Civil & Political Rights
Governance & Rule of Law
Movement
Person(s) affected
Persons on the move
Year
2007
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
CCPR General Comment No. 32, Article 14: Right to Equality before Courts and Tribunals and to Fair Trial - replaces GC No. 13 (2007), para. 40.