Criminal Code (Cap. 9), article 452

452. (1) Save as otherwise expressly provided, an interpreter shall not be chosen fr om among the jurors , counsel for the accu sed, witnesses, referees, or other per sons employed in the service o f the court or of the Attorney General , with the exception of the off icial interpreter. It shall, however, be lawful for any of the partie s to take objection against the official i nterpreter or any other person appointed to act as interpreter, before the same enters upon hi s duties, and any such objection shall be determined by the court . (2) Nevertheless, it shall be law ful for the court to appoint an y person employed in the service of the court to act as interpret er, if it appears to its satisfaction that sufficient inquiries have been made 298 CAP . 9.] CRIMINAL CODE and that no other person suitable to act as interpreter could b e found. (3) The person appointed to act as interpreter, if he is not in the building in which the court is sitting, shall be summoned by me ans of a subpoena. (4) Any person residing in Malta, who, being appointed to act as interpreter, shall, without a just cause, fail to appear at the time and place appointed by the court, or shall refuse to act as interpreter, or shall leave the court before he is dismissed, m ay be dealt with as a witness who fails to appear to give evidence, o r who, having appeared, refuses to give evidence, or leaves the c ourt before he is discharged. (5) The provision contained in article 633(2) shall apply if the interpreter is the spouse of the accused, or is related to the accused by consanguinity in any of the degrees mentioned in that articl e, or if other particular circumstances occur. (6) The interpreter appointed by the court, if he is not a perso n employed in the service of the Gov ernment, shall be entitled to a remuneration to be fix ed by the court accord ing to circumstance s. Admission of guilt by accused. Amended by: VIII.1909.48.