Judge advises the use of Google Translate

In my recent assignment at a county court (family law), I was surprised by the suggestion made by the judge (recorder) to the parties involved. The judge advised both parties to write their statements in Polish and then use Google Translate to produce an English version and submit these translations to court. He added that this would avoid the need for a professional translator and the associated fees. This advice struck me as unprofessional, unacceptable and, frankly, ignorant.

 

As an experienced legal translator, I’m acutely aware of the nuances and complexities that language can convey, especially in the context of legal proceedings. The importance of accuracy and precision in legal documents cannot be overstated, and relying on an automated translation tool such as Google Translate to handle such sensitive matters is a recipe for disaster.

 

Legal translations require a deep understanding of the legal systems involved, as well as a nuanced knowledge of the languages involved. While Google Translate is a useful tool for basic translations, it falls woefully short when it comes to the intricacies of legal terminology and the contextual nuances that are crucial in legal documents. This shortcut not only jeopardises the integrity of the legal process, but also undermines the rights of the parties involved.

 

I’m troubled by the idea that the judiciary would endorse a method that could compromise the clarity and accuracy of the information presented. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of appreciation for the expertise and professionalism that professional translators bring to the table. The suggestion of using a machine translation tool not only undermines the value of our work, but also reflects a disregard for the subtleties of language, particularly in a legal context.

 

In the pursuit of justice, it’s essential to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy. I believe that advocating the use of professional translation services, rather than automated tools, is critical to ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted with the utmost integrity and fairness. This incident highlights the need for a wider understanding and recognition of the role that skilled translators play in facilitating effective communication within the legal system.