Reporting on the “Guidelines for Communicating Rights to Non-Native Speakers of English in Australia, England and Wales, and the USA” and their application in England and Wales

Abstract Abstract: The article discusses a set of Guidelines which result from the work of the Communication of Rights Group comprising linguists, psychologists, lawyers and interpreters. The Guidelines document’s primary aim is to inform police, lawyers and judicial officers about linguistic issues which impact non-native speakers of English in police interviews, particularly in the communication of rights. The recommendations address the wording and grammar of the rights as well as their wider communication to non-native speaker suspects, including informing those suspects about access to an interpreter, and evaluation of whether or not a non-native speaker of English has understood the rights. It is not the purpose of the Guidelines to replace the right to a professional interpreter; such right needs to be clearly defined. The role of the interpreter in exercising such right also needs to be considered. The article examines the current relevant legislation and guidelines in England and Wales and compares them with the proposed recommendations.