Practice question
An accused understands Cebuano but not the language used to read the information. The clerk reads it without translation and immediately asks for a plea. What should the court correct?
- Nothing; only the clerk must understand
- Only the spelling of the clerk's name
- The charge must be read in a language or dialect known to the accused
- The accused must be forced to learn a new language before any explanation
- The information must be replaced by a civil complaint
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/courts/rules/rc_110-127_crim.html — Rule 116 §§1–8 (arraignment, pleas, searching inquiry, counsel); Rule 115 §1.
- https://lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html — 1987 Constitution, Article III §§12 and 14 (custodial safeguards and right to be informed of the accusation).
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.