Attorney as Interpreter: A Return to Babble

Should an attorney serve as an interpreter for a non-English speaking client in a criminal prosecution? Out of an apparent sense of duty to the court or client, some bilingual attorneys have been willing to assume that role. Moreover, trial courts which have imposed such an obligation upon counsel have generally been upheld on appeal. This article examines the potential harm to the client, counsel, and the administration of justice when an attorney acts as an interpreter for a client in litigation, and suggests that none of these interests are served by an attorney-interpreter.