ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to contextualise the role of sign language interpreters and translators within a Deaf jurisprudence framework. Several critical issues and topics are discussed: the disparity between the Deaf identity and the laws that provide deaf people with rights as members of society, referred to as the Deaf Legal Dilemma; the limitations of Deaf-disabled and language minority rights; and the role of interpreters and translators within this rights framework. Whether deaf people have a disability and whether the concept of ‘reasonable accommodations’ is fit for purpose are discussed within this context. Consideration is also given to the debate regarding whether services should be provided directly to deaf people (that is, without sign language interpreter involvement) or should be provided as interpreter-mediated services, and whether interpreters and translators (and their regulators) should be advocates and allies of the Deaf community in enforcing their rights. This chapter expands the parameters of Deaf jurisprudence and establishes the role of interpreters and translators within this framework.
