Rule 14 Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules

after rule 26.5 (Surrender of electronic communication devices by jurors) insert—

“Interpretation for a deaf juror

26.6.

(1)

This rule applies where under section 9C of the Juries Act 1974^f1 the court appoints one or more British Sign Language interpreters to enable a person who is deaf to act effectively as a juror.

(2)

Each such interpreter must take an oath or affirmation in these terms, or in any corresponding terms that the interpreter declares to be binding on him or her—

“I swear by Almighty God [or I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm] that I will faithfully interpret all such matters and things as shall be required of me according to the best of my skill and understanding. I will enable communication among the jurors so that all may discharge their duties and I will not interfere in, influence or disclose the deliberations of the jury.”; and

amend the table of contents correspondingly.