'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

ABSTRACT

The ability to defend one’s self or to be effectively assisted by counsel in the criminal justice system depends, not only on an “intelligent and knowing” understanding of several constitutional rights (that come into play at the moment of arrest), but also a sufficient comprehension of the English language to make certain “intelligent” choices about  those “rights.”  It is when an individual chooses to waive rights and speak in his or her defense, that this intelligent and knowing understanding becomes critical.  And this is more so, when there is a language barrier or gap and the need for an interpreter becomes crucial, not only to help make those intelligent choices but to communicate that individual’s “message” or statement.  The Ilocano language is no different.

This presentation explores the use of Ilocano interpreters in the representation of individuals in the criminal justice system and will discuss several glaring problems through anecdotal examples.   Immediate and long term solutions will be discussed, explored and critiqued.

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E. Edward Aquino is a Deputy Public Defender in the the State of Hawaii.  Atty. William M. Domingo has his law office in Honolulu.

Nakem Centennial Conference Secretariat
E-mail: nakemconference@yahoo.com or precye@aol.com
Phone:  808-956-8405.  FAX:  808- 956-5978
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