- I WAS VICTIM OF CRIME: CONSEQUENCES AND REACTIONS
- VICTIM RIGHTS
- IF YOU HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF A CRIME YOU HAVE THE RIGHT:
- SELECTED RIGHTS OF VICTIMS IN A SPECIAL SITUATION
- THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AFFECTED BY CRIME
- RIGHTS OF VICTIMS PROTECTION
- THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD
- VICTIM’S RIGHTS IN CASE OF REFUSAL OR DISCONTINUATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
- RIGHT TO MEDIATION
- RIGHT TO LEGAL ASSISTANCE
- RIGHT OF WITNESS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR INCOME LOST AND COST OF TRAVELLING
- RIGHT TO RETURN OF PROPERTY
- RIGHT OF VICTIMS IN NEED OF PARTICULAR PROTECTION
- RIGHTS OF VICTIMS LIVING IN ANOTHER EU MEMBER STATE
- CRIMINAL COURT PROCEEDING
- WHO IS WHO
TRANSLATOR
Polish language is the official language in criminal proceedings in Polish courts of law. If a person who does not know Polish takes part in the proceedings, and there is a need to question them, a translator must be summoned.
The only criteria that determines the obligation of summoning a translator for a person is the level of proficiency in Polish language of that person. The obligation of appointing a translator is independent of the character in which the person is to be questioned. It is irrelevant whether it concerns the defendant or witness. A translator must also be summoned if there is a need of translating into Polish a document made in a foreign language, or the other way round, or to acquaint the litigant with the content of the evidence taken.
A translator is a proxy to the court, owing to whom this organ can communicate with a person being questioned or to become acquainted with the content of a document.
A translator must have translation skills from Polish to the foreign language or from the foreign language to Polish. For example, if the witness in proceedings is a person who does not speak Polish. In such a case, a translator is appointed who translates into Polish what the witness says, or translates all the questions into the language the witness speaks.
A translator must be appointed when there is a need of questioning a deaf or mute person, and written communication is not enough. It's vital to highlight that a witness does not cover any costs connected with the participation of a translator.