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Rule 604 Interpreters.

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Rule Text

Interpreters are subject to the provisions of these rules relating to qualification as an expert and the administration of an oath or affirmation to make a true translation.

Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)

This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.

If someone needs an interpreter in court, that person has to meet certain qualifications before they can help translate. The court treats interpreters similarly to expert witnesses, meaning their skills and background can be checked to make sure they're actually qualified to translate accurately.

The interpreter also has to take an oath or make a formal promise before they start. This oath means they're swearing to give an honest, accurate translation of what's being said. This protects everyone in the case by making sure the translation can be trusted and that nothing gets changed or left out during the process.

Committee Notes

Advisory Committee’s Notes

Alabama has long recognized the role of interpreters in the courts. See Spencer v. State, 40 Ala.App. 93, 109 So.2d 756, cert. denied, 268 Ala. 699, 109 So.2d 758 (1959). See also C. Gamble, McElroy’s Alabama Evidence § 94.01(5) (4th ed. 1991); J. Colquitt, Alabama Law of Evidence § 6.4 (1990). Rule 604 continues the practice under which interpreters must make an oath or affirmation that they will interpret truly. Todd v. State, 380 So.2d 370 (Ala.Crim.App.1980); Ala. Code 1975, § 12-21-130 (Rule 604 supersedes that portion of the statute providing that interpreters may be sworn); Ala. Code 1975, § 12-21-131 (providing that presiding judge may provide an interpreter for witness with defective hearing). The interpreter must be qualified under the Alabama Rules of Evidence dealing with experts. See Ala.R.Evid. 702 (recognizing expertise as arising from experience as well as by education). This is consistent with preexisting Alabama practice. See, e.g., Almon v. State, 21 Ala.App. 466, 109 So. 371 (1926); Central of Ga. R.R. v. Joseph, 125 Ala. 313, 28 So. 35 (1900). See also Ala.R.Civ.P. 43(f) (recognizing that the court, at least in a civil case or proceeding may appoint an interpreter of its own selection and may fix a reasonable compensation for the interpreter and tax the compensation as costs).

Rule 604 is taken from Fed.R.Evid. 604.

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Last updated: September 2026

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