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Ontario|Small Claims CourtThe Trial 556 Using an interpreter at trial If your language ability is not good enough for you to understand the court proceedings or for the judge to understand you, or if any of your witnesses need an interpreter, you should arrange to bring an interpreter to court. The Small Claims Court does not provide for interpreters. You should arrange to bring someone who has proper skills to translate from your language to English. The interpreter must not be someone connected with the lawsuit, and if possible should not be a member of your immediate family. If you do not know someone who can act as an interpreter, there are services available where you can hire a court-qualified interpreter. This can be costly, however.
If a trial has started and the judge feels that a party or a witness cannot be properly understood due to language, the judge can order that the party provide an interpreter.
If you are using an interpreter, you must give your evidence entirely in your own language. You cannot testify partly in English and partly in your language. You should speak slowly enough for the interpreter to translate for the court.
Consider carefully whether you or your witness needs an interpreter. Keep in mind that you want the judge to have the best possible understanding of your case.
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