Translation in law: part two 26 May 2008. EU: drafting legislation in 23 languages български (Bălgarski) - BG - Bulgarian български (Bălgarski) - BG -

Presentazione sul tema: "Translation in law: part two 26 May 2008. EU: drafting legislation in 23 languages български (Bălgarski) - BG - Bulgarian български (Bălgarski) - BG -"— Transcript della presentazione:

1 Translation in law: part two 26 May 2008

2 EU: drafting legislation in 23 languages български (Bălgarski) - BG - Bulgarian български (Bălgarski) - BG - Bulgarian Čeština - CS – Czech Čeština - CS – Czech Dansk - DA - Danish Dansk - DA - Danish Deutsch - DE - German Deutsch - DE - German Eesti - ET - Estonian Eesti - ET - Estonian Elinika - EL - Greek Elinika - EL - Greek English - EN English - EN Español - ES - Spanish Español - ES - Spanish Français - FR - French Français - FR - French Gaeilge - GA - Irish Gaeilge - GA - Irish Italiano - IT - Italian Italiano - IT - Italian Latviesu valoda - LV - Latvian Latviesu valoda - LV - Latvian Lietuviu kalba - LT - Lithuanian Lietuviu kalba - LT - Lithuanian Magyar - HU - Hungarian Magyar - HU - Hungarian Malti - MT - Maltese Malti - MT - Maltese Nederlands - NL - Dutch Nederlands - NL - Dutch Polski - PL - Polish Polski - PL - Polish Português - PT - Portuguese Português - PT - Portuguese Română - RO - Romanian Română - RO - Romanian Slovenčina - SK – Slovak Slovenčina - SK – Slovak Slovenščina - SL - Slovene Slovenščina - SL - Slovene Suomi - FI - Finnish Suomi - FI - Finnish Svenska - SV - Swedish Svenska - SV - Swedish

3 Pragmatic solutions for the Tower of Babel “Some institutions have opted for a single internal working language: French for the European Court of Justice, English for the European Central Bank, for example. The European Commission has a policy of using three languages for internal purposes: English, French and German. In practice, French and English are the main languages of internal communication and drafting. Formerly French enjoyed a clear predominance but in recent years the balance has shifted and now within the Commission most drafting is done in English”. “Some institutions have opted for a single internal working language: French for the European Court of Justice, English for the European Central Bank, for example. The European Commission has a policy of using three languages for internal purposes: English, French and German. In practice, French and English are the main languages of internal communication and drafting. Formerly French enjoyed a clear predominance but in recent years the balance has shifted and now within the Commission most drafting is done in English”.

4 How the Commission drafts legislation Step 1—First draft written by technical experts Step 1—First draft written by technical experts The first drafts are generally written not by lawyers but by technical experts such as economists or scientists. The first drafts are generally written not by lawyers but by technical experts such as economists or scientists. Drafters must write in either English or French. So most write in a foreign language, and it is harder for them to write exactly what they want to say. Drafters must write in either English or French. So most write in a foreign language, and it is harder for them to write exactly what they want to say. One result is a tendency for drafters to follow precedents. Unfortunately the precedents chosen may not be best suited to the new circumstances. One result is a tendency for drafters to follow precedents. Unfortunately the precedents chosen may not be best suited to the new circumstances.

5 Step 2—Consultation within the Commission The preliminary draft is then submitted to the other Commission departments. The preliminary draft is then submitted to the other Commission departments. The Commission’s Legal Service has to be consulted on all draft legislation. The Commission’s Legal Service has to be consulted on all draft legislation. The Commission’s legal revisers, who all have dual legal and language qualifications, will examine it for compliance with the rules on form and presentation of legislation: far-reaching changes can be suggested if the legal revisers believe them necessary. The Commission’s legal revisers, who all have dual legal and language qualifications, will examine it for compliance with the rules on form and presentation of legislation: far-reaching changes can be suggested if the legal revisers believe them necessary. Generally the Legal Service’s suggestions must be followed although it does not have the power to block a text altogether. Generally the Legal Service’s suggestions must be followed although it does not have the power to block a text altogether.

6 Step 3—Translation into the other official languages The text must then be translated into all the official languages by the Translation Directorate-General, before formal adoption by the Commission. The text must then be translated into all the official languages by the Translation Directorate-General, before formal adoption by the Commission. The legal revisers may have another opportunity to revise the text but they must confine themselves to correcting formal or terminological errors and ensuring that the legal scope is exactly the same in the different language versions. The legal revisers may have another opportunity to revise the text but they must confine themselves to correcting formal or terminological errors and ensuring that the legal scope is exactly the same in the different language versions. The Commission’s proposal is then submitted to the European Parliament and the Council, where it passes through those institutions’ internal pre- adoption procedures. The Commission’s proposal is then submitted to the European Parliament and the Council, where it passes through those institutions’ internal pre- adoption procedures.

7 Multilingualism A unique feature of EU legislation is that it exists in 23 language versions, each of which has equal force. A unique feature of EU legislation is that it exists in 23 language versions, each of which has equal force. But each text passes through various stages and at each stage mistakes may creep in. A term used in one language may lead to misunderstanding in another. But each text passes through various stages and at each stage mistakes may creep in. A term used in one language may lead to misunderstanding in another. However, the positive side of this complex procedure is that mistakes or lack of clarity or consistency in the original are often brought to light by the translation process and corrected. However, the positive side of this complex procedure is that mistakes or lack of clarity or consistency in the original are often brought to light by the translation process and corrected.

8 Multiculturalism EU legislation becomes more complex because it has to deal with many different cultures and divergent local conditions. The animal health rules contain many examples. EU legislation becomes more complex because it has to deal with many different cultures and divergent local conditions. The animal health rules contain many examples. Taking account of multiculturalism is a dynamic process since local conditions are evolving at different speeds in different countries. For example, marriage has generally been regarded as an institution with common core features across the EU. Since the introduction of same-sex marriages in the Netherlands, however, some people there find it is no longer enough to say they are married but feel it necessary to specify the sex of their partner. Taking account of multiculturalism is a dynamic process since local conditions are evolving at different speeds in different countries. For example, marriage has generally been regarded as an institution with common core features across the EU. Since the introduction of same-sex marriages in the Netherlands, however, some people there find it is no longer enough to say they are married but feel it necessary to specify the sex of their partner.

9 Steps taken to improve drafting On 22 December 1998 the institutions adopted an Interinstitutional Agreement setting out 22 guidelines for drafting: On 22 December 1998 the institutions adopted an Interinstitutional Agreement setting out 22 guidelines for drafting: draft in clear, simple and precise terms; draft in clear, simple and precise terms; think of the addressees; think of the addressees; keep sentences and provisions short; keep sentences and provisions short; use plain language; be consistent both within one act and between acts in the same field. use plain language; be consistent both within one act and between acts in the same field.

10 How (un)readable is the EU Constitution? “I think the greatest mistake was to make the Constitution unreadable. I bet there's no more than a dozen people who have read every page of it and even those with a lot of suffering” “I think the greatest mistake was to make the Constitution unreadable. I bet there's no more than a dozen people who have read every page of it and even those with a lot of suffering” “A constitution should be readable and accessible to the population. It should not be a document of 480 pages, with some 400 more pages of appendixes and declarations. That's really crazy”. “A constitution should be readable and accessible to the population. It should not be a document of 480 pages, with some 400 more pages of appendixes and declarations. That's really crazy”.

11 The most common words

12 Preamble DRAWING INSPIRATION from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe, from which have developed the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, ISPIRANDOSI alle eredità culturali, religiose e umanistiche dell'Europa, da cui si sono sviluppati i valori universali dei diritti inviolabili e inalienabili della persona, della libertà, della democrazia, dell'uguaglianza, e dello Stato di diritto;

13 BELIEVING that Europe, reunited after bitter experiences, intends to continue along the path of civilisation, progress and prosperity, for the good of all its inhabitants, including the weakest and most deprived; that it wishes to remain a continent open to culture, learning and social progress; and that it wishes to deepen the democratic and transparent nature of its public life, and to strive for peace, justice and solidarity throughout the world (…); CONVINTI che l'Europa, ormai riunificata dopo esperienze dolorose, intende avanzare sulla via della civiltà, del progresso e della prosperità per il bene di tutti i suoi abitanti, compresi i più deboli e bisognosi; che vuole restare un continente aperto alla cultura, al sapere e al progresso sociale; che desidera approfondire il carattere democratico e trasparente della vita pubblica e operare a favore della pace, della giustizia e della solidarietà nel mondo (…);

14 CONVINCED that, thus "United in diversity", Europe offers them the best chance of pursuing, with due regard for the rights of each individual and in awareness of their responsibilities towards future generations and the Earth, the great venture which makes of it a special area of human hope, CERTI che, «Unita nella diversità», l'Europa offre ai suoi popoli le migliori possibilità di proseguire, nel rispetto dei diritti di ciascuno e nella consapevolezza delle loro responsabilità nei confronti delle generazioni future e della Terra, la grande avventura che fa di essa uno spazio privilegiato della speranza umana;

15 EU Constitution 2004 ARTICLE I-3 The Union's objectives The Union's objectives 1. The Union's aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples. 2. The Union shall offer its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers, and an internal market where competition is free and undistorted. ARTICOLO I-3 Obiettivi dell'Unione Obiettivi dell'Unione 1. L'Unione si prefigge di promuovere la pace, i suoi valori e il benessere dei suoi popoli. 2. L'Unione offre ai suoi cittadini uno spazio di libertà, sicurezza e giustizia senza frontiere interne e un mercato interno nel quale la concorrenza è libera e non è falsata.

16 3. The Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment. 3. L'Unione si adopera per lo sviluppo sostenibile dell'Europa, basato su una crescita economica equilibrata e sulla stabilità dei prezzi, su un'economia sociale di mercato fortemente competitiva, che mira alla piena occupazione e al progresso sociale, e su un elevato livello di tutela e di miglioramento della qualità dell'ambiente.

17 It shall promote scientific and technological advance. It shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and shall promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child. It shall promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States. It shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced. Essa promuove il progresso scientifico e tecnologico. L'Unione combatte l'esclusione sociale e le discriminazioni e promuove la giustizia e la protezione sociali, la parità tra donne e uomini, la solidarietà tra le generazioni e la tutela dei diritti del minore. Essa promuove la coesione economica, sociale e territoriale, e la solidarietà tra gli Stati membri. Essa rispetta la ricchezza della sua diversità culturale e linguistica e vigila sulla salvaguardia e sullo sviluppo del patrimonio culturale europeo.

18 the rights of the child 4. In its relations with the wider world, the Union shall uphold and promote its values and interests. It shall contribute to peace, security, the sustainable development of the Earth, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of the child, as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law, including respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter. 5. The Union shall pursue its objectives by appropriate means commensurate with the competences which are conferred upon it in the Constitution. diritti del minore 4. Nelle relazioni con il resto del mondo l'Unione afferma e promuove i suoi valori e interessi. Contribuisce alla pace, alla sicurezza, allo sviluppo sostenibile della Terra, alla solidarietà e al rispetto reciproco tra i popoli, al commercio libero ed equo, all'eliminazione della povertà e alla tutela dei diritti umani, in particolare dei diritti del minore, e alla rigorosa osservanza e allo sviluppo del diritto internazionale, in particolare al rispetto dei principi della Carta delle Nazioni Unite. 5. L'Unione persegue i suoi obiettivi con i mezzi appropriati, in ragione delle competenze che le sono attribuite nella Costituzione.

19 Legalese pursuant to conformemente a pursuant to conformemente a without prejudice to fatto salvo without prejudice to fatto salvo in conformity with (the procedure) secondo (le procedure) in conformity with (the procedure) secondo (le procedure) by way of derogation from in deroga a by way of derogation from in deroga a

20 Latinisms mutatis mutandis mutatis mutandis praesidium praesidium in camera in camera inter alia inter alia quorum quorum in law or in fact in law or in fact mutatis mutandis mutatis mutandis praesidium praesidium a porte chiuse a porte chiuse tra l’altro tra l’altro numero legale numero legale de jure o de facto de jure o de facto

21 EC Commission Regulation no. 103/2008 COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 103/2008 of 4 February 2008 approving non- minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications — Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (PDO) REGOLAMENTO (CE) N. 103/2008 DELLA COMMISSIONE del 4 febbraio 2008 recante approvazione delle modifiche non secondarie del disciplinare di una denominazione registrata nel registro delle denominazioni d’origine protette e delle indicazioni geografiche protette — Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (DOP)

22 THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 7(4) thereof, LA COMMISSIONE DELLE COMUNITÀ EUROPEE, visto il trattato che istituisce la Comunità europea, visto il regolamento (CE) n. 510/2006 del Consiglio, del 20 marzo 2006, relativo alla protezione delle indicazioni geografiche e delle denominazioni d’origine dei prodotti agricoli e alimentari, in particolare l’articolo 7, paragrafo 4, primo comma,

23 Whereas: (1) In accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 9(1), and in application of Article 17(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006, the Commission has examined Italy’s application for the approval of amendments to the specification of the protected designation of origin ‘Mozzarella di Bufala Campana’ registered on the basis of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1107/96. considerando quanto segue: (1) A norma dell’articolo 9, paragrafo 1, primo comma, e in applicazione dell’articolo 17, paragrafo 2, del regolamento (CE) n. 510/2006, la Commissione ha esaminato la domanda dell’Italia relativa all’approvazione di modifiche del disciplinare della denominazione d’origine protetta «Mozzarella di Bufala Campana», registrata con il regolamento (CE) n. 1107/96 della Commissione.

24 (2) As the amendments in question were not found to be minor within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006, the Commission published the application for amendments in the Official Journal of the European Union, in application of the first subparagraph of Article 6(2) of that Regulation. As no objections were notified to the Commission under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006, the amendments should be approved, (2) Trattandosi di modifiche non secondarie ai sensi dell’articolo 9 del regolamento (CE) n. 510/2006, la Commissione ha pubblicato la domanda di modifica nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell’Unione europea, secondo quanto disposto all’articolo 6, paragrafo 2, primo comma, del suddetto regolamento. Poiché non è stata notificata alla Commissione alcuna dichiarazione di opposizione, a norma dell’articolo 7 del regolamento (CE) n. 510/2006, le modifiche devono essere approvate,

25 HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name in the Annex to this Regulation are hereby approved. Article 2 This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 4 February 2008. HA ADOTTATO IL PRESENTE REGOLAMENTO: Articolo 1 Le modifiche del disciplinare pubblicate nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell’Unione europea concernenti la denominazione che figura nell’allegato del presente regolamento sono approvate. Articolo 2 Il presente regolamento entra in vigore il ventesimo giorno successivo alla pubblicazione nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell’Unione europea. Il presente regolamento è obbligatorio in tutti i suoi elementi e direttamente applicabile in ciascuno degli Stati membri. Fatto a Bruxelles, il 4 febbraio 2008.

26 The language of the Law of Contract The wordiness resulting from the influence of the English case law system is particularly noticeable in the Law of Contract. The wordiness resulting from the influence of the English case law system is particularly noticeable in the Law of Contract. Perseverance of outdated ritualism, much contested by the Plain Language movement. Perseverance of outdated ritualism, much contested by the Plain Language movement. “If the parties omit something from the contract, they cannot rely on the courts to insert it later … under common law the terms of a contract are always interpreted literally and narrowly”. “If the parties omit something from the contract, they cannot rely on the courts to insert it later … under common law the terms of a contract are always interpreted literally and narrowly”.

27 Boilerplate Boilerplate is any text that can be reused in new contexts or applications without being changed much from the original. Many computer programmers often use the term boilerplate code. A legal boilerplate is a standard provision in a contract. Boilerplate is any text that can be reused in new contexts or applications without being changed much from the original. Many computer programmers often use the term boilerplate code. A legal boilerplate is a standard provision in a contract. Boilerplate = le clausole standard (ricorrenti) che si trovano in un contratto Boilerplate = le clausole standard (ricorrenti) che si trovano in un contratto

28 Modello di contratto di distribuzione per l’estero Garanzia per vizi dei Prodotti 1 Il Fornitore si impegna a porre rimedio a qualsiasi difetto di conformità (vizio) dei Prodotti a lui imputabile, verificatosi entro ventiquattro mesi dalla consegna dei Prodotti al Distributore, purché tale difetto di conformità gli si stato notificato tempestivamente in conformità all'art. 2. In tal caso il Fornitore provvederà, a sua scelta, alla sostituzione o riparazione dei Prodotti (o parti di essi) risultati difettosi. Warranty for defects of the Products 1 The Supplier undertakes to remedy any non- conformity (defect) of the Products for which he is liable, occurring within twenty-four months from delivery of the Products to the Distributor, provided he has been notified timely (promptly) about such (a) defect according to Article 2. In such (a) case the Supplier will, at his choice, either replace or repair the Products (or parts of the Products) which result (turn out) to be defective.

29 2 Eventuali reclami relativi allo stato dell'imballo, quantità o caratteristiche esteriori dei Prodotti (vizi apparenti), dovranno essere notificati al Fornitore per iscritto, a pena di decadenza, entro 15 giorni dalla data di ricevimento dei Prodotti. Eventuali reclami relativi a difetti non individuabili mediante un diligente controllo al momento del ricevimento (vizi occulti) dovranno essere notificati al Fornitore, a pena di decadenza, entro 15 giorni dalla data della scoperta del difetto. Il reclamo dovrà specificare con precisione il difetto riscontrato ed i Prodotti cui esso si riferisce. 2 Any complaints concerning the conditions of packing, quantity or outward features of the Products (apparent defects) must be notified to the Supplier in writing within 15 days from receipt of the Products; failing such notification the Purchaser‘s right to claim the above defects will be forfeited. Any complaints relating to defects which cannot be discovered on the basis of a careful inspection upon receipt (hidden defects) must be notified to the Supplier in writing within 15 days from discovery of the defect; failing such notification the Purchaser's right to claim the above defects will be forfeited. The notice must indicate precisely the defect and the Products to which it refers.

30 General Terms and Conditions of Purchase Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH 1 General 1.1 Any of the Supplier's terms differing from or supplementary to these General Terms and Conditions of Purchase shall not be binding for the Purchaser, even if the Purchaser does not expressly contradict or if the Supplier declares that he wishes to supply only on the basis of his own terms. 1.2 Orders, the acknowledgment of orders and any amendments and additions shall be made in writing. Any verbal agreements made on the conclusion of the contract shall only be valid if confirmed in writing by the Purchaser. 1.3 If the Supplier does not acknowledge an order within 14 days, the Purchaser shall be entitled to withdraw his order.