What is legal interpretation?

Court interpreting is an essential part of a fair trial when a party is not fluent in Finnish. Court interpretation is essential for anyone who is confronted with legal situations in a foreign language. It ensures that all parties understand each other and that everyone has the opportunity to defend their rights.

In particular, people with an immigrant background who do not speak Finnish or Swedish as their mother tongue need a court interpreter to ensure equal treatment in the legal process. Without professional interpretation, misunderstandings can arise which can have a decisive impact on the outcome.

The Finnish Centre for Business Interpreting's professional interpreters ensure that communication in official matters is reliable and accurate. Legal interpreting promotes equality, fairness and inclusion in the Finnish legal system.

Qualifications and expertise of court interpreters

Forensic interpreters are trained and certified professionals. They have extensive experience in legal situations and a deep understanding of cultural and linguistic nuances.

Forensic interpreters:

• Master legal terminology

• Know the stages of legal processes

• Continuously educate themselves on current case law

• Respect confidentiality and ethical principles

A professional legal interpreter does not just translate words, but acts as a provider of accurate, impartial and reliable communication in a legal context.

In which situations is court interpretation needed?

Court interpreting is used in many different official situations, such as:

• Trials and court proceedings

• Police interviews

• Witness statements

• Immigration-related administrative matters

• Civil and family law negotiations

• Dealing with the Kela or TE Office

• Other agency and administrative processes

How do I book a court interpreter?

It's easy to order a court interpreter. Just fill in an interpretation request form on our website and we will contact you to confirm the details.

You can also call or email if you want to discuss your situation in more detail. We will be happy to help you identify your needs for legal interpretation.

What does legal interpretation cost?

Our pricing is transparent and competitive. When you buy a service from us, you get a clear quote. The price of legal interpreting is determined by factors such as:

• Language

• Duration of interpretation

• Availability of an interpreter

• Possible travel expenses

Do you need an official translation for a court case?

You can also get legally qualified translations from an authorised translator, for example:

• Challenge applications

• Judgment documents

• Authority decisions

• Contracts

Our translations are officially approved and delivered quickly and reliably. Read more about official translations or translation.