Incomplete interpretation by an ALS linguist
Today, 04/04/12, I went "Court monitoring".
There was a lady linguist sent by ALS for a 10 am start. After interpreting accurately only about 40-50% of what was said, she gave her ALS form to the legal adviser to sign it. The legal adviser wrote down the times the case was actually heard in court: 12.05-12.40 and signed next to them.
The lady linguist stated that she attended Court at 10 am and the legal adviser should sign her from 10 am. The legal adviser told her in very clear terms that: "our instructions are to sign for the times the case has been heard in FRONT of the bench; I understand that you've been here since 10am, but this is something you have to raise it with ALS."
The linguist insisted and even addressed the magistrates who told her "it's out of our hands, please take it up with the agency".
The linguist was clearly not happy and I understand that. What I don't understand is WHY people sign up with ALS?
I've heard her saying to the solicitor, outside the courtroom, that she would never accept a videolink again (as this case was heard via a videolink). I wonder why? No risk of just mumbling something in court? And does ALS pay for the time spent in the court building before and after the actual hearing in Court or not?