Rule 604 Interpreters

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

An interpreter is subject to the provisions of these rules relating to qualification as an expert and the administration of an oath or affirmation to make a true translation.

Comment

This rule must be read in conjunction with A.R.S. Sec. 12-241, which provides: "The court may, when necessary, appoint interpreters, who may be summoned in the same manner as witnesses, and shall be subject to the same penalties for disobedience." (Emphasis added). In contrast to the discretionary appointment of interpreters under Sec. 12-241, Sec. 12-242 requires the trial court to appoint an interpreter for a deaf person in any civil, criminal, grand jury, or administrative proceeding. The right to an interpreter for the deaf is extended to a deaf person either as a witness, complainant, defendant, or attorney.

While A.R.S. Sec. 12-241 gives the trial judge the discretion to appoint an interpreter, failure to appoint an interpreter for an indigent...