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My parents do not speak much English. Can we have an interpreter at the inquest?

My brother died in police custody so there is a coronial inquest to find out how this could have happened. My family migrated from Burma to Australia very recently. My parents only have basic English and do not understand long sentences and big words. They want to come to the inquest and find out what happened but they will not be able to understand a word. Can we have an interpreter help them?
Asked in Newcastle - Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, 30-11-2015
1 Lawyer Answered
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  1. Coronial & Inquests
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.

 

Answer by Pearl Beaumont, Sydney 2024 NSW

  • Yes you can ask the coroner to make arrangements to have a Burmese interpreter at the inquest. They can translate all the proceedings for you.
  • You should speak to the coroner’s assistant or someone at the coroner’s registry office to find out exactly how you can apply for the interpreter.
  • If you have a lawyer then speak to them about this and they will make the request on your behalf. 

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