Update September 2004

On 20 August 2004 decree 2004-836 was approved in France. This decree recognises the right of deaf people to use a sign language interpreter in court. This decree put an end to various debates on the right of deaf people regarding access to justice.

Article 23-1, which amends the civil procedure, will give deaf people, whether or not they are sign language users or whether they prefer other means of communication, the right to be assisted by an interpreter. Remuneration for interpreters’ services will be at the expense of the French State.

This decree will enter into force as from 1 January 2005.

For the full text of this decree, please visit the website of the Fédération Nationale des Sourds de France: www.fnsf.fr