My right for a translator in a Spanish court

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20 Mar 2012 12:00 AM by skadisman Star rating. 6 posts Send private message

I recently took a Spanish builder to court because he tried to rip me off for extra work on my house.I am using a Spanish lawyer.I was told an interpreter would be in court.This interpretor only translated from Spanish to English when i was being questioned.The rest of the time i did not know what was going on!Witness's were called who told lies and forged documents produced by the builders lawyer.I was only aware of this after the 'judge' adjourned the case to get a futher important witness into court.This builder signed a contract with me for a fixed sum,no extras unless i personally agreed them before.I was never asked to agree any extra work during the build but before my house was finished i was emailed a list of extras which increased my price by over 50%!The builder has no written proof that i ever agreed to these extras as it did not happen.What are my rights to use an interpretor in court so that im aware of what is being said?.I was not even allowed to speak with my lawyer during this hearing.This all seems very unfair and loaded against me!





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20 Mar 2012 9:31 AM by johnzx Star rating in Spain. 5242 posts Send private message

I would think, that just like in UK, if the court provides an interpreter it is for the benefit of the court (so they can communicate with you) not as a personal interpreter. If that is what you require then you should engage one at your own expense.





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20 Mar 2012 10:57 PM by EOS Team Star rating in In Spain of course!. 4015 posts Send private message

EOS Team´s avatar

John is right, you need to find your own interpreter to take to court with you the next time you go.

Best of luck with it all.

Justin



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20 Mar 2012 11:16 PM by skadisman Star rating. 6 posts Send private message

Hi guys,thats exactly what i did do!I had my own interpreter there but he was only allowed to speak when i was being questioned.He wasnt allowed to speak to me before or after that so everything else was conducted in Spanish.This seems grossly unfair to me!This case id being conducted by one female judge who seems very biased in favour of the Spanish builder im sueing.Im really worried that i will not get justice.





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21 Mar 2012 12:27 AM by johnzx Star rating in Spain. 5242 posts Send private message

Sorry but do you really think the proceeds should have all been conducted in English or that every word that everyone said should have been translated for you?  That’s what yiur interpreter should have done. You were in a Spanish court.
 
 
If it was reversed and a Spanish guy was in court in UK it would exactly the same.
 
As for when you can speak or ask questions. In any court you can only do so when it ‘your turn’ to give evidence (same in UK).. Its not an open argument session. You solicitor is the one who can cross examine and if he did not do so then that’s a matter between you and him.
 
 I cannot understand how you can say your interpreter was not allowed to speak to you before or after. He/she was employed by you and thus no one could stop you conversing (except maybe in court if it was distracting to the case).
 
Overall it appears you do not understand how courts function.





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21 Mar 2012 12:27 AM by johnzx Star rating in Spain. 5242 posts Send private message

Sorry but do you really think the proceeds should have all been conducted in English or that every word that everyone said should have been translated for you?  That’s what yiur interpreter should have done. You were in a Spanish court.
 
 
If it was reversed and a Spanish guy was in court in UK it would exactly the same.
 
As for when you can speak or ask questions. In any court you can only do so when it ‘your turn’ to give evidence (same in UK).. Its not an open argument session. You solicitor is the one who can cross examine and if he did not do so then that’s a matter between you and him.
 
 I cannot understand how you can say your interpreter was not allowed to speak to you before or after. He/she was employed by you and thus no one could stop you conversing (except maybe in court if it was distracting to the case).
 
Overall it appears you do not understand how courts function.





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