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The right to translation in Belgian criminal proceedings

Between legal obligations and practical constraints

ORCiD logo with link | Ghent University
ORCiD logo with link | Ghent University
ORCiD logo with link | Ghent University
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Abstract
This article examines the implementation of the Directive 2010/64/EU, and more specifically its provisions on written language assistance, in Belgian criminal proceedings. In order to investigate both top-down regulations and on-the-ground practices, a case study was conducted at the Ghent correctional court, including a policy review, analysis of criminal case files, and interviews with judicial actors. The study finds that the right to written translation is rarely exercised. Due to the restricted transposition of the Directive provisions into national legislation, local judicial authorities do not proactively provide translated procedural documents and defendants are often unaware of their right to translation. Instead of providing written translations, judicial authorities systematically rely on oral interpretation or summaries, despite the Directive stipulating that these should be the exception rather than the norm. Although the Directive was designed to strengthen fair trial protections, its impact remains limited in practice.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical background
  • 3.Context: Genesis and transposition of Directive 2010/64/EU
  • 4.Data collection and analysis methods
    • 4.1Review of the legislative framework
    • 4.2Analysis of criminal case files
    • 4.3Interview and survey data
  • 5.Results
    • 5.1Transposition of directive 2010/64/EU into Belgian domestic law
      • 5.1.1First transposition in 2016
      • 5.1.2Second national transposition in 2024
    • 5.2Application of the right to translation at the Ghent correctional court
      • 5.2.1Impact of the 2016 transposition acts
      • 5.2.2Impact of the 2024 transposition act
  • 6.Discussion: Top-down regulations versus local practices and perspectives
    • 6.1Logistical challenges
    • 6.2Shifting the responsibility to lawyers
    • 6.3Replacing written translation with oral language assistance
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
References (50)
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