§ 24-6-604 [Interpreter Oath and Qualifications]

When a court case needs an interpreter, that person must meet certain qualifications before they can translate in court. The rules that apply to expert witnesses also apply to interpreters, meaning the court wants to make sure the interpreter actually knows what they are doing.

Before an interpreter can start working in a courtroom, they must take an oath or make a formal promise to translate accurately and honestly. This means they are legally bound to give a true and correct translation of everything said, and lying or mistranslating could have serious consequences for them.

There are some exceptions to these rules. If the case involves situations covered under specific rules about non-English speakers or people with hearing impairments, or if the Georgia Supreme Court has set up its own separate rules for interpreters, those guidelines may apply instead.