No person shall be appointed as an interpreter pursuant to sections 25-2401 to 25-2407 unless such person is readily able to communicate with the person unable to communicate the English language, translate the proceedings for him or her, and accurately repeat and translate the statements of such person to the jury, judge, and officials before whom such proceeding takes place.
§ 25-2404.Interpreters; qualifications.
Article 24: Interpreters · Last amended 2002 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceThis section bars a court from appointing anyone as an interpreter under sections 25-2401 to 25-2407 unless that person can readily communicate with the person needing assistance, translate the proceeding, and accurately repeat and translate that person’s statements to the jury, judge, and other officials.
Full Text of § 25-2404
Source
Laws 1973, LB 116, § 4; Laws 1987, LB 376, § 14; Laws 2002, LB 22, § 10.
Plain-English Summary
Section 25-2404 sets the baseline competency a court must confirm before appointing anyone as an interpreter. No person qualifies for appointment unless that person is readily able to communicate with the person unable to communicate in English, translate the proceeding for that person as it happens, and accurately repeat and translate the person’s statements to the jury, judge, and officials present.
These three abilities run in both directions: understanding the party who needs help, and rendering that party’s words accurately for everyone else in the room. A candidate who can manage one direction but not the other does not satisfy this section. Section 25-2407 later builds on this baseline with formal standards adopted by the Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What three abilities does an interpreter need under this section?
The interpreter must be able to communicate readily with the person needing help, translate the proceeding for that person, and accurately repeat and translate that person’s statements to the jury, judge, and officials.
Is fluency in the language enough to qualify as an interpreter here?
The section requires more than language ability alone; it requires accurate translation of the proceeding and of the person’s statements to the court.
Does this section set out a formal certification process?
No. It states the qualifications a court must find before appointment. Section 25-2407 adds formal standards adopted by the Supreme Court.
Can a bilingual friend or family member serve as the interpreter?
This section does not name a category of eligible person; it asks whether the person appointed meets the communication and translation abilities it lists.
Does this section apply to interpreters for deaf or hard of hearing persons?
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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