Whenever someone who does not speak Portuguese has to participate in the proceedings, the assistance of an interpreter who knows the Portuguese language and the language spoken by that participant is requested.

For example, if a witness were Russian and did not know Portuguese well enough, an interpreter would appointed whose task it would be to translate everything the witness said in Russian into Portuguese, and also to translate anything that was said or asked to the witness in Portuguese into Russian.

When a participant in the process has a sensory limitation or impairment, the collaboration of an interpreter is requested:

• If the participant is deaf or has a hearing impairment, the assistance of a sign language interpreter is requested.
  
• If the participant is mute or unable to speak, the questions are asked orally.

The interpreter’s role in these situations is very important: it is fundamental that all people who are involved in the process can understand what is said or asked to them and also that they can participate fully in the process, regardless of language barriers or physical/sensory limitations.

The appointment of an interpreter has no costs for the participant requiring this service.
To learn more about the right to translation, click here.