An Interpreter In Court
Evid. Code 752 — a sworn interpreter the witness can understand, paid by the court in criminal cases
When a witness is incapable of understanding English, or of expressing themselves in English so as to be understood directly by counsel, court and jury, an interpreter whom the witness can understand, and who can understand the witness, is sworn to interpret for the witness.
Who pays. In all criminal actions and juvenile court proceedings, the interpreter's compensation is a charge against the court. In civil actions it is first apportioned among the parties in the proportion the court determines, and may afterwards be taxed and allowed like other costs.
On the record. The record identifies the interpreter by name.
Court rules on interpreter certification, scheduling, and the interpreter's code of conduct sit alongside the statute and are not on this page. Whether a particular proceeding was interpreted adequately, and what follows if it was not, are questions for a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Evid. Code 752 — Interpreter for a witness; compensation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.