Preamble

In the absence of a court interpreter, many persons who come before the courts are partially or completely excluded from full participation in the proceedings because they have limited proficiency in the English language, have a speech impairment, or are deaf or hard of hearing. It is essential that the resulting communication barrier be removed, as far as possible, so that these persons are placed in the same position and enjoy equal access to justice as similarly situated persons for whom there is no such barrier. As officers of the court, interpreters help to ensure that these persons enjoy equal access to justice and that court proceedings and court support services function efficiently and effectively.

Applicability

This Code shall guide and be binding upon all certified interpreters and interpreters eligible for certification, as those terms are defined in Rule 16-819, and all agencies and organizations that administer, supervise the use of, or deliver interpreting services in the courts of this State.

Canon 1

Accuracy and Completeness

Interpreters shall render a complete and accurate interpretation or sight translation, without altering, omitting, or adding anything to what is stated or written and without explanation.

Canon 2

Representation of Qualifications

Interpreters shall accurately and completely represent their certifications, training, and pertinent experience.

Canon 3

Impartiality and Avoidance of Conflict of Interest

Interpreters shall be impartial and unbiased and shall refrain from conduct that may give an appearance of bias. Interpreters shall disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest.

Canon 4

Professional Demeanor

Interpreters shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity of the court and shall be as unobtrusive as possible.

Canon 5

Confidentiality

Interpreters shall protect the confidentiality of all privileged and other confidential information.

Canon 6

Restriction of Public Comment

Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report, or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are or have been engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be confidential.

Canon 7

Scope of Practice

While serving as interpreters, interpreters shall limit themselves to interpreting or translating and shall not give legal advice, express personal opinions to individuals for whom they are interpreting, or engage in any other activities which may be construed to constitute a service other than interpreting or translating.

Canon 8

Assessing and Reporting Impediments to Performance

Interpreters shall assess at all times their ability to deliver their services. When interpreters have any reservation about their ability to satisfy an assignment competently, they shall immediately convey that reservation to the appropriate judicial authority.

Canon 9

Duty to Report Ethical Violations

Interpreters shall report to the proper judicial authority any effort to impede their compliance with any law, any provision of this Code, or any other official policy governing court interpreting and legal translating.

Canon 10

Professional Development

Interpreters shall continually improve their skills and knowledge and advance the profession through activities such as professional training and education and interaction with colleagues and specialists in related fields.

Canon 11

Compliance

After notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond, the Administrative Office of the Courts may remove an interpreter from the list of court interpreters.