Sign language, translation and rule of law – deaf people’s experiences from encounters with the Norwegian criminal justice system

Table 1.

Informant alias and age^aInformant statusCriminal offenceParticipationAdam (teenager)VictimPhysical assault and verbal abusePrompted by his mother to report the crime and gave an interview to the police. The case was dismissed.Benjamin (teenager)VictimSexually abused as a minorPrompted by his mother to report the crime some years after the incidences of abuse, and gave an interview to the police. The case was initially dismissed, then reopened. Benjamin provided testimony as a witness in the following criminal court case.Charles (in his fifties)VictimHarassmentFelt threatened in his own home. Tried unsuccessfully to call the police with the help of a neighbour. Did not report or pursue the case on any later occasion.David (in his twenties)VictimPhysical assault and possible police misconductAssaulted and wrongfully arrested when the police were called. Interrogated without an interpreter and told to ‘stop acting deaf’. Released the following day without any apologies from the police. The police did not conduct any further investigations of the assault and David did not pursue the case of his wrongful arrest.VictimCar theftCaught a car thief in the act and reported the incident by sending a text message to the police. Gave an interview to the police and provided testimony as a witness in the following criminal court case.SuspectCounterfeitingSubjected to police interrogation, case dismissed as being based on a misunderstanding.Eric (in his forties)VictimForced entry and physical assaultReported the case to the police, provided testimony as a witness in a criminal court case.ConvictedDrug-related crimesInterrogated by the police and admitted to some of the charges. Was convicted in court and served a prison sentence.ConvictedArmed robbery and physical assaultInterrogated by the police and admitted to the charges. Was convicted in court and served a prison sentence.Fiona (in her forties)SuspectSexual abuse against her own childrenSubjected to a house search. The police showed up unannounced on her doorstep without interpreters. The criminal case was dismissed, but by a civil court decision and the children were taken into care due to alleged gross neglect by their parents.George (in his forties)ConvictedDomestic violenceInterrogated by the police and admitted to most of the charges. Was convicted in court and served a prison sentence.