COPFS makes sure that all victims and Crown witnesses involved in a case can understand and communicate with the court. This includes users of sign language and speakers of languages other than English.
In writing
You may struggle to read documents sent to you in English. Once we know your needs, we will write to you in a format or language that best works for you.
At court
Sign language
We can arrange *[BSL]:British Sign Language interpreters for victims and Crown witnesses whose first language is BSL. If you are an accused person, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service will arrange a BSL interpreter for you.
Spoken languages
English may not be your first or preferred language for speaking and listening. Tell us your exact language and dialect. We will then arrange for a suitable interpreter to enable victims and Crown witnesses to give their best evidence in court. If you are an accused person, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service will arrange an interpreter for you.
Asking for help
Please make sure we know what your needs are as early as possible. Contact our Enquiry Point:
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- Telephone – 0300 020 3000
- Text (for deaf and hearing-impaired) – 07825 280346
- Email – EnquiryPoint@copfs.gov.uk
Language line
To help both non-English speakers and members of staff in assisting non-English speakers COPFS has subscribed to Language Line, a telephone interpreting service.
To access this service, you can call us on 0300 020 3000 or e-mail us _enquirypoint@copfs.gov.uk providing your name and a contact number, and we will call you back via Language Line.
For more information, visit: www.languageline.co.uk.