As Ms. Prémont was saying, when we are at the Supreme Court, it is obvious which judges can communicate with litigants. As you know, when we plead before the Supreme Court, time is measured. We don't have a lot of time, so we have to be very specific. We have to have a chance to answer the judge's questions, as there are no other legislative bodies beyond the Supreme Court. Every litigant wants to have their opportunity to convince the court. If the judge has no questions to put to the litigant because they are uncomfortable speaking the litigant's language, their questions will remain in their head. Sometimes, the judge and the litigant can communicate. Sometimes, the judge also wants to listen to the litigant to understand and grasp the entire argument put before them. If the judge is thinking about how to translate their questions into the litigant's language, they may miss part of what has been said. Of course, there are always briefs, but the judge's questions sometimes allow the litigant to add details that are not in the brief.
It is important for all judges to be able to speak both languages.