601 Competency

Almost anyone can testify as a witness in court. That's the starting point under this rule. You don't need special training or credentials to take the stand and share what you know.

But there are some basic requirements a person must meet. A judge can stop someone from testifying if that person can't actually do the job of a witness. This means the person must have been able to accurately notice or perceive the things they're testifying about when those things happened. They also need to be able to remember the facts now, explain themselves clearly enough for people to understand (either by speaking directly or through an interpreter), and understand that a witness has a duty to tell the truth.

In short, the judge checks whether someone has the basic mental ability to serve as a reliable witness. This isn't about whether the person is smart or well spoken. It's about whether they can perceive things correctly, remember them, communicate them, and understand they're supposed to be honest. If someone can do all four of these things, they're allowed to testify, regardless of their age, background, or education.