Opinion ID: 1435822
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: court interpreters code of professional responsibility

Text: Applicability. This code shall be binding on all persons employed by the Judiciary to provide interpretative services in connection with a proceeding before any court in Delaware or any other activity ordered by a court or conducted under the supervision of a court or its agent. Canon 1: Accuracy and Completeness. Court interpreters must provide an accurate interpretation of what is said, without altering, omitting or adding anything to what is stated or written, (i.e., epithets or apparent misstatements should be interpreted as well), and without explanations. The role of the interpreter is to provide a simple exchange of question and answers between the questioner and the witness, or party, as if there were no language barrier. However, in the interest of justice, the court may authorize the interpreter to alter or add to what is stated or written in order to ensure that a party fully comprehends what is occurring during the proceeding. (A) Interpreters should never characterize or give a gratuitous explanation of testimony and should not interject or reveal their own feelings, moods, attitudes, or beliefs while they are providing interpretative services. (B) If interpreters do not understand what is being said, they must inform the court and request permission of the court to have the statement repeated or clarified. (C) If counsel or the court utilize a term or phrase which the interpreters believe may confuse the non-English speaking witness, the interpreter should so inform the court. Canon 2: Impartiality. Court interpreters fulfill a special duty to interpret accurately and faithfully without evidencing any personal bias, avoiding even the appearance of partiality. Interpreters should avoid unnecessary discussions with counsel, parties, witnesses or other interested parties, inside and outside the courtroom. Canon 3: Compensation. Interpreters may accept no remuneration, gifts, gratuities, favors, loans, valuable consideration or other benefits, in excess of the authorized compensation in performance of their official interpreting duties. Canon 4: Avoidance of Conflict of Interest. Interpreters shall disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest or bias, including circumstances in which the interpreter has had any prior involvement wit the case, parties, jurors, or others significantly involved in the proceedings, is a friend, associate or relative of a party or counsel involved in the proceedings or is biased based upon the parties' personal characteristics like race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. No court interpreter shall render services in a case in which the interpreter has a stake, financial or otherwise, in the outcome. Canon 5: Professional Demeanor. Court interpreters should dress and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity of the court and shall be as unobtrusive as possible. (A) Interpreters shall be positioned in the courtroom to ensure that he or she can hear everything that is said during the proceedings, but shall not block the view of, or otherwise interfere with communications between, the judge, jury, parties or counsel. Canon 6: Assessing and Reporting Impediments to Performance. Interpreters shall assess at all times their ability to deliver their services. Prior to the outset of the proceedings and with the knowledge and consent of counsel, the interpreters should briefly interview the non-English speaking person in order to become familiar with speech patterns, communication modes, and linguistic traits of the person. When interpreters have any reservation about their ability to satisfy an assignment competently at any time before or during the proceedings, they shall immediately convey that reservation to the appropriate judicial authority. Canon 7: Correction of Errors. When interpreters perceive that they have committed an error, they shall immediately correct the error for the record. Canon 8: Confidentiality. Court interpreters should not disclose any information of a confidential nature about court cases obtained while performing interpreting duties, except upon court order. Canon 9: Restriction of Public Comment. Interpreters should 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 10: Scope of Practice. 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 while serving as an interpreter.