Dain Y's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Language Barriers and Bias in Court; How Do We Dispel Linguistic Bias? BASIS Advisor: Amy Green Internship Location: Coconino County Attorney's Office Onsite Mentor: Elissa Gonzalez-Olson, Intern Coordinator Coconino County Attorney's Office

Project Abstract

As an intern at the Coconino County Attorney's Office, my research focus delves into the pervasive issue of language bias within the legal system. In the realm of law, each word holds immense significance, serving as the building blocks to provide a comprehensive understanding of a case and aiding jurors in reaching informed decisions. However, this intricate process poses significant challenges for individuals who do not have English as their first language or lack fluency in the language. While interpreters may be available, the translation of every word may not always be precise, exacerbating the need for effective solutions to address this systemic issue. Moreover, the presence of linguistic bias further compounds the complexity of legal proceedings. A notable example is the George Zimmerman case, wherein the testimony of the primary prosecution witness was undermined due to her African American Vernacular English (VVAE) accent, ultimately influencing the jury's decision and deeming her account to be not credible. These inadvertent biases underscore the urgency to scrutinize and rectify linguistic and translational challenges within the legal framework. Throughout my internship, I aspire to investigate and propose remedies for these inherent biases, with the ultimate goal of fostering a fair and equitable legal system for all individuals, irrespective of language or accent.