TRANSLATION. The copy made in one language of what has been written, or spoken in another.
2. In pleading, when a libel or an agreement, written in a foreign language, must be averred1, it is necessary that a translation of it should also be given.
3. In evidence, when a witness is unable to speak the English language so as to convey his ideas, a translation of his testimony2 must be made. In that case, an interpreter should be sworn to translate to him, on oath, the questions propounded3 to him, and to translate to the court and jury his answers. 4 Mass. 81; 5 Mass. 219; 2 Caines' Rep. 155; Louis. Code of Pr. 784, 5.
4. It has been determined4 that a copyright may exist in a translation, as a literary work. 3 Ves. & Bea. 77; 2 Meriv. 441, n.
5. In the ecclesiastical law, translation denotes the removal from one place to another.; as, the bishop5 was translated from the diocese of A, to that of B. In the civil law, translation signifies the transfer of property. Clef des Lois Rom. h. t.
6. Swinburne applies the term translation to the bestowing6 of a legacy7 which had been given to one, on another; this is a species of ademption, (q. v.) but it differs from it in this, that there may be an ademption without a translation, but there can be no translation without an ademption. Bac. Ab. Legacies8, C.
7. By translation is also meant the transfer of property, but in this sense it is seldom used. 2 Bl. Com. 294. Vide Interpreter.
TRANSMISSION, civ. law. The right which heirs or legatees may have of passing to their successors, the inheritance or legacy to which they were entitled, if they happen to die without having exercised their rights. Domat, liv. 3, t. 1, s. 10; 4 Toull. n. 186; Dig. 50, 17, 54; Code, 6, 51.
TRANSPORTATION, punishment. In the English law, this punishment is inflicted9 by virtue10 of sundry11 statutes12; it was unknown to the common law. 2 H. Bl. 223. It is a part of the judgment13 or sentence of the court, that the party shall be transported or sent into exile. 1 Ch. Cr. Law, 789 to 796: Princ. of Pen. Law, c. 4 §2.