Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) 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 understood directly by counsel, court and jury.
(2) The court should examine a party or witness on the record to determine whether an interpreter is needed if:
(a) A party or counsel requests such an examination;
(b) It appears to the court that the party or witness may not understand and speak English well enough to participate fully in the proceedings; or
(c) The party or witness requests an interpreter. The fact that a person for whom English is a second language knows some English does not prohibit that individual from being allowed to have an interpreter.
(3) After the examination, the court should state its conclusion on the record, and the file in the case shall be clearly marked and data entered electronically when appropriate by court personnel to ensure that an interpreter will be present when needed in any subsequent instance arising out of the litigation.
(4) Upon a request by the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual, by counsel, or by any other officer of the court, the court shall determine whether the interpreter provided is able to communicate accurately with and translate information to and from the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual. If it is determined that the interpreter cannot perform these functions, the court shall provide the Limited English Proficient (LEP) individual with another interpreter.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Mississippi Code Title 9. Courts § 9-21-79 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-9-courts/ms-code-sect-9-21-79/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)