Going to court if you are deaf or hearing impaired
If you are deaf or hearing impaired, the court should provide information about the communication support and facilities that are available to you. If you do not speak English as your first language, the court may be able to arrange an interpreter for your use in the courtroom.
Facilities at courts
Most courtrooms are fitted with induction loops. If you think this may help you, please tell the customer service officer or disability liaison officer at the court as soon as you know you will have to attend a hearing.
If you want, you may visit the courtroom before the case is heard to be certain the facility will help you. To arrange a pre-court visit, contact the customer service officer or disability liaison officer at the court you are due to attend.
If the start of your case is called over a tannoy system and you feel this may be a problem, let the person on the reception desk know this.
You can find details about how to contact the court on any correspondence you have been sent, or on the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service website.
Using an interpreter
In criminal proceedings the provision and cost of interpreters for defendants is met by the Criminal Justice system
In civil or family proceedings and tribunal proceedings generally, when an action is privately funded, it is a matter for the party requiring the services of an interpreter to make the arrangements and meet the costs. However the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service will arrange and meet the cost of interpreters needed for certain types of hearings and in certain circumstances, for example:
- in cases of alleged domestic violence
- family cases involving children
- cases proceeding under the Forced Marriage Act
- when the judge or tribunal chairman directs that an interpreter be arranged by the court or tribunal
Because of the sensitivity of these types of proceedings, the Northern Ireland Court Service will arrange and pay for an interpreter if required. This is irrespective of whether solicitors are involved or public funding is available.
If you are attending court as, for example, a claimant or defendant in a civil or family matter, Northern Ireland Courts Service (NICtS) will pay reasonable costs for an interpreter to assist you at your hearing. It will only pay for interpreters booked through the court.
If you require the use of an interpreter, you should tell the court as soon as possible. The court will make arrangements for an interpreter to attend. The Court Service is not responsible for providing an interpreter for any preparation involved in the course of your case, for example, discussions with a solicitor.
The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service will, on direction of the Coroner, arrange and meet the cost of interpreters needed for witnesses at a coroner’s inquest.
Further information on the circumstances when an interpreter will be provided by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service can be found on the website
The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service is not responsible for providing an interpreter for any preparation involved in the course of your case, for example, discussions with a solicitor.
Using a friend or relative as an interpreter
Unless your friend or relative has a recognised qualification in relaying information between deaf and hearing people, it may be better to use a qualified interpreter.
If you want a friend or relative to interpret for you at a hearing, you will need to ask the judge for permission. The judge must be satisfied that your friend or relative can exactly interpret what you are saying to the court and also interpret what is being said to you.
More information and advice
Your first point of contact should always be with the customer service officer at the court you are to attend. You can find details about how to contact the court on any correspondence you have been sent, or on the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service website.
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