An Interpreter In Court
RCW 2.43.030 — a credentialed interpreter unless good cause is found on the record
In legal proceedings involving a person with limited English proficiency, a credentialed interpreter is appointed unless good cause is found on the record for appointing a noncredentialed one.
- Good cause includes a finding that, given the nature of the proceeding and what is at stake, a credentialed interpreter is not reasonably available.
- It also includes the courts' list containing no interpreter credentialed in the person's language.
Three things on the record. Before using an interpreter, the judicial officer states on the record that the interpreter can communicate effectively in English and the other language, has read and will abide by the code of professional responsibility for judiciary interpreters, and that the person with limited English proficiency can understand the interpreter. If the interpreter does not meet those criteria, another interpreter is used.
Noncredentialed interpreters. Where one is used for good cause, the officer first makes a preliminary determination on the record that the interpreter can interpret accurately all communications to and from the person in that proceeding, considering testimony and the person's needs.
Interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are covered by a separate chapter. 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 Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 2.43.030 — Appointment of interpreter; source of interpreters; qualifications
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.