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The Charter, Section 14: Interpreter
Last Updated: July 02 2026
Question: Can a lawyer help me request an interpreter if I do not fully understand the language in an Ontario criminal case, or if I am a witness who needs one?
Answer: In Ontario criminal proceedings, a lawyer can help you seek an interpreter because section 14 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, (1982) guarantees that a party or witness who does not understand or speak the language of the proceedings, or who is deaf, has the right to the assistance of an interpreter, but it is not always automatic and the court may assess need based on factors like language proficiency and the effect on fair trial rights. If an interpreter is required, DefendCharges.Lawyer can help accused people and witnesses through the process of requesting appropriate, qualified interpretation so you can understand charges, evidence, and court steps, then get practical next steps with a consultation at (647) 977-5997 (Lawyer serving clients across Ontario).
Does an accused person or witness to a criminal proceeding have a legal right to an interpreter?
In many cases, those accused of or witnessing a crime are entitled to an interpreter, although this is not an absolute right.
Right to An Interpreter
The right to an interpreter in the Canadian criminal justice system is a fundamental right that is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This right is particularly important for accused persons who are not fluent in either English or French, the two official languages of Canada. Under the Charter, accused persons have the right to understand the proceedings against them and to make informed decisions. This includes the right to understand the evidence presented against them, to understand the charges against them, and to understand the legal advice they receive. An interpreter can help ensure that an accused person is able to exercise their right to a fair trial.
Right to An Interpreter Is Not Absolute
The right to an interpreter is not absolute. The court must consider a number of factors when determining whether an interpreter is necessary, such as the complexity of the case, the accused person’s language proficiency, and the potential impact of the accused’s lack of language proficiency on the proceedings. In some cases, the court may decide that an interpreter is not necessary. For example, if the accused person is able to understand the proceedings and make informed decisions, the court may decide that an interpreter is not necessary. In other cases, the court may decide that an interpreter is necessary but that the accused person must pay for the interpreter’s services.
The Law
As per The Constitution Act, 1982, Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, Chapter 11, a constitutional right right to the assistance of an interpreter is mandated within section 14 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which reads:
Interpreter
(14) A party or witness in any proceedings who does not understand or speak the language in which the proceedings are conducted or who is deaf has the right to the assistance of an interpreter. Equality Rights