ABSTRACT
Like just about every other aspect of life, the legal realm has been affected by the onward march of technology, particularly in the past two decades. With developments ranging from the intrusion of television cameras and live media coverage of high-profile trials, to the use of sophisticated surveillance technology for criminal investigations, to the introduction of digital evidence and electronic filing, to the use of multimedia presentations in jury trials, to video links between detention facilities and courtrooms, the face of our justice systems has changed dramatically. The impact of communications technology on interpreted interactions is the subject of this chapter. We will first define remote interpreting and explore the different configurations available, and then we will examine the different applications of remote interpreting in law enforcement and court proceedings. After summarizing research findings on the impact on quality, perceptions, and interpreters’ working conditions, the chapter will end with some recommendations for best practice.
