The Welsh Language Act 1993: A Measure of Success?

The Welsh Language Act 1993 is now 12 years old. Accordingly, the time is ripe to measure its success in terms of facilitating the use of the Welsh language in the courts. This can be measured in a number of different ways. Firstly, it is possible to measure its success by contextualising the Act within what is achievable and desirable on an international level and by comparing Wales with other similar jurisdictions. Secondly, it is possible to consider whether the Act has succeeded in fulfilling its own objectives, by comparing the substantive sections of the statute with its long title and whether and how the practices of the institutions accord with the objectives of the statute. Within this context, it is also possible to identify aspects omitted from the Welsh Language Act 1993 that have an impact upon linguistic behaviour in the courts.