These barriers and their impacts are discussed in Sections VI and VII.

Reducing the Barriers

"Sometimes it's just a matter of slowing things down. For the person appearing before us as a witness, accused or victim, it's their life. I think we have a duty to make sure they understand each and every step of the process."

The use of clear, simple language without legal jargon, is the single most helpful technique for making sure that everyone involved understands court proceedings. Judges and lawyers can help by using clear language as much as possible and by rewording necessary 'legalese'. For example, after the legal version of a charge, a claim, or an 'option to elect', is read, they can paraphrase the information using ordinary language.

There are a number of guides, some of them created by the legal profession, for using plain language in written and spoken communication.¹⁰

Most people who cannot use printed material must rely on memory. Repeating important information can help increase and/or reinforce knowledge and understanding.

It is often not enough to ask someone whether they understand as many people are too embarrassed to say openly that they do not. If there is doubt, people can be asked to explain the information in their own words.

Arranging for Support Services

Local literacy organizations and groups such as the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Societies may be willing and able to act as 'translators' for people with low literacy skills. In addition, they may be able to suggest other warning signals and strategies which will work better for you and your colleagues.