The provision of Spanish Sign Language interpreting services for deaf people in legal proceedings

Sign language interpreting is the measure most frequently implemented by Spanish public services in providing access to deaf people. The enactment of the Spanish Act 27/2007, which recognizes sign languages and the right to use them, was a milestone for the deaf community in the country. The transposition of a number of European Guidelines on translation and interpreting into the Spanish legal system, via the Organic Act 5/2015, has strengthened the right of deaf people to interpreting services in different legal proceedings. Against this framework, this article analyzes how the Administration of Justice provides interpreting services to deaf people. Reviewing and comparing the relevant legislation with other international efforts to provide access to interpreters, the weaknesses of the Spanish system will be identified, and suggestions will be made to improve the provision of such services. Suggested improvements include assessing the skills of sign language interpreters to ensure a fair trial for deaf people.