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Miss. R. Evid. 604

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Rule 604 Interpreter

Article VI: Witnesses

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Rule Text

An interpreter must be qualified and must give an oath or affirmation to make a true translation.

[Restyled effective July 1, 2016.]

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 in court needs an interpreter, that person must be qualified to do the job. This means they need to actually know both languages well enough to translate accurately.

Before interpreting, the person must also take an oath or make a formal promise. They are swearing that they will translate everything truthfully and correctly. This helps make sure that what witnesses or other people say in court gets translated the right way, without mistakes or changes that could affect the case.

Committee Notes

Advisory Committee Historical Note

Effective July 1, 2016, the Rule was amended as part of the general restyling of the Evidence Rules.

Effective June 16, 2016, the “Comment” was retitled “Advisory Committee Note.”

Effective March 20, 1995, the Advisory Committee Note to Rule 604 was amended to delete the reference to repealed statutes. 648-651 So. 2d 651 So. 2d XXVI (West Miss. Cas. 1995).

Advisory Committee Note

The language of Rule 604 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Evidence Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility.

This rule should be read in conjunction with M.R.C.P. 43(d), M.C.A. § 99-17-7, and M.C.A. §§ 13-1-301 through 315.

[“Advisory Committee Note” substituted for “Comment,” effective June 16, 2016; amended July 1, 2016, to note restyling.]

← Previous Rule 603: Oath or Affirmation to Testify Truthfully Next → Rule 605: Judge’s Competency as a Witness