§ 25-2403.Interpreter; appointment.

Article 24: Interpreters · Last amended 1987 · Last verified July 22, 2026

In one sentenceThis section requires the presiding judge in any proceeding to appoint an interpreter to assist a person unable to communicate in English with preparing for and conducting trial of the person’s case.

Full Text of § 25-2403

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In any proceeding the presiding judge shall appoint an interpreter to assist any person unable to communicate the English language for preparation and trial of his

or her case.

Source

Laws 1973, LB 116, § 3; Laws 1987, LB 376, § 13.

Plain-English Summary

Section 25-2403 holds the core requirement of the interpreter article: in any proceeding, the presiding judge shall appoint an interpreter to assist a person unable to communicate in English. The appointment covers both preparation of the case and the trial itself, not just testimony given on the stand.

The word “shall” makes the appointment mandatory once the proceeding involves someone who meets the definition in 25-2402. The judge has no discretion to decide whether an interpreter is worth the trouble; the only judgment left to the court is who to appoint, guided by the qualification standards in 25-2404 and 25-2407.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a judge required to appoint an interpreter, or is it discretionary?

The section uses “shall,” making the appointment mandatory whenever a proceeding involves a person unable to communicate in English.

Does the interpreter help only during the trial itself?

No. The section covers assistance with preparation of the case as well as the trial.

Who decides that a party needs an interpreter under this section?

The presiding judge in the proceeding makes that call and appoints the interpreter.

What if the appointed interpreter does not meet the qualification standards?

Sections 25-2404 and 25-2407 set out the qualifications and standards an interpreter must meet, and a judge appointing someone under 25-2403 has to appoint someone who satisfies those standards.

Does this section apply to civil cases as well as criminal cases?

The section applies broadly to “any proceeding,” and 25-2402 defines proceeding to include any legal proceeding or a preliminary hearing.

Source & verification. Section text and the amendment-history citation are reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Legislature, Revisor of Statutes, enacted by the Nebraska Legislature. Last verified July 22, 2026. · Official source

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