Judge’s Decision Against Translation Mandate
A Quebec judge has declared inoperable a provision of the province’s language law that demands immediate French translations of English-language court decisions. Judge Dennis Galiatsatos argued that this requirement would significantly delay the legal process for anglophone defendants.
Impact on Legal Processes
Galiatsatos pointed out that producing translations can take weeks or even months, leading to longer wait times for English-speaking defendants compared to their francophone counterparts. This decision emerged from the case of Christine Pryde, who is scheduled to stand trial in June.
Government’s Response and Appeal
Quebec’s Justice Minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette, disagreed with the ruling and indicated that the government plans to appeal. He emphasized the importance of maintaining French as the language of justice in Quebec.
Criticism of the Translation Requirement
Galiatsatos criticized the translation mandate, stating it obstructs the operation of criminal law and conflicts with federal language rights. He also rejected the Crown prosecutor’s proposal for delivering English verdicts orally with written decisions to follow, calling it unworkable and inappropriate.
