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AVIDICUS 1 (2008-11)

Aims and outcomes

The overall aim of the AVIDICUS 1 project was to explore whether the quality of video-mediated interpreting (VMI) is suitable for criminal proceedings, which would constitute a significant step towards improving judicial cooperation across Europe. Furthermore, AVIDICUS 1 aimed to address the training of interpreters and legal practitioners in VMI.

The specific objectives of the project were:-

  1. To identify situations where different configurations of VMI would be most useful from a criminal proceedings point of view and specify a set of relevant situations;
  2. To assess the reliability of VMI in these situations from an interpreting point of view through a series of comparative case studies (face-to-face interpreting vs. VMI) and formulate a set of recommendations for EU criminal justice services on the use of VMII in criminal proceedings;
  3. To develop and implement training modules on VMI based on the findings from (2) in order to improve the knowledge of interpreter students, practising legal interpreters and legal practitioners with regard to these new forms of interpreting.

The project developed an improved understanding of the settings in which VMI is relevant and produced the following key deliverables:

  1. A set of recommendations for the use of VMI in criminal proceedings (benefits, risks, guidelines for best practice),
  2. A set of VMI training modules for legal practitioners, practising interpreters and interpreting students,
  3. A final symposium to disseminate the major findings to relevant target groups (with book publication to follow).
The project outcomes are of immediate relevance to legal practitioners and interpreters. Furthermore, they enable Criminal Justice Systems across Europe to develop common regulations on the use of VMI in criminal proceedings.

Please go to the Resources section of this website to see all resources developed in the AVIDICUS projects since 2008.

Partners

AVIDICUS 1 was a co-operative project involving partners in several European countries and external experts with complementary expertise in videoconference technology, videoconference communication, legal interpreting, video-mediated interpreting and academic/professional training.

Co-ordinator:
University of Surrey (GB)

Partners:
Lessius Hogeschool Antwerp (BE)
Local Police Antwerp (BE)
Ministry of Justice (NL)
Legal Aid Board (NL)
TEPIS Polish Society of Sworn and Specialised Translators (PL)

Internal Evaluator:
Ann Corsellis