臺灣法庭外語通譯現況調查與檢討

Abstract

相關實證研究結果證明，法律案件涉及不通曉管轄國法庭官方語言人士時，法庭口譯對案件審判結果有直接且顯著之影響。然而，台灣法庭口譯相關研究相當缺乏，基本資料、歷史沿革及現況調查付諸闕如； 相較之下，國外相關研究則相對較多。其中又以美國加州尤具有大量法庭口譯的研究成果及詳細資料。有鑑於此，本研究採文獻探討方式彙整台灣及加州法庭口譯資料，並進行比較， 期使釐清雙方差異，整理法庭口譯制度發展可能方向，為後續研究奠立初步基礎。 此外，本研究採取質化研究方法，對主管機關人員及曾擔任法庭口譯或具觀察法庭口譯案件經驗之相關對象進行訪談，以探討臺灣法庭口譯之沿革與現況。 本研究發現臺灣建立健全法庭口譯制度之工作包括推動相關法令修正、尋求充裕資金、從事基礎研究蒐集資料、提昇法庭口譯人員能力及地位、改善台灣法庭制度架構及法庭程序。

Court interpreting is known to directly affect the outcome of cases involving persons with no or limited proficiency in the language of the court based on findings from past studies. However, empirical research in Taiwan is severely lacking. The intent of this study was to lay a foundation on which future studies can be conducted by compiling existing data and studies in Taiwan and other countries. California was chosen to serve as a benchmark for comparison because of the abundant qualitative and quantitative data on court interpreting that was available. To further describe the status of court interpreting in Taiwan, this study has gathered qualitative data from interviews with persons directly involved with court interpreting in the Taiwan legal system. The interviewees consisted of judicial and court officials as well as persons who have either served as court interpreters or observed interpreted court proceedings. The findings suggest that Taiwan still needs to address legislative and funding issues, conduct research to gatherreliable data, better ensure access to competent interpreters for persons with limited Mandarin proficiency, and implement measures aimed at improving the institutional framework of Taiwan courts and courtroom procedures.