§ 9-21-77. Oath, confidentiality and public comment
Prior to providing any service to a non-English speaking person, the interpreter shall subscribe to an oath that he or she shall interpret all communications in an accurate manner to the best of his or her skill and knowledge. The oath shall conform substantially to the following form: INTERPRETER’S OATH “Doyou solemnly swear or affirm […]
§ 9-21-79. Determination of need for an interpreter
An interpreter is needed and a court interpreter shall be appointed when the judge determines, after an examination of a party or witness, that: (a) the party cannot understand and speak English well enough to participate fully in the proceedings and to assist counsel; or (b) the witness cannot speak English so as to be […]
§ 9-21-81. Interpreter’s fees and expenses
Any volunteer interpreter providing services under Sections 9-21-71 through 9-21-81 shall be paid reasonable expenses by the court. The expenses of providing an interpreter in any court proceeding may be assessed by the court as costs in the proceeding, or in the case of an indigent criminal defendant to be paid by the county.
§ 9-21-71. Definitions
The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them unless the context clearly requires otherwise: “Non-English speaker” means any party or witness who cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English and who consequently cannot equally participate in or benefit from the proceedings unless an interpreter is available to assist the individual. […]
§ 9-21-73. Program established
The Director of the Administrative Office of Courts shall establish a program to facilitate the use of interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi. The Administrative Office of Courts shall prescribe the qualifications of and certify persons who may serve as certified interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi in bilingual […]
§ 9-21-75. Compensation
The court may appoint either an interpreter who is paid or a volunteer interpreter.