BEI Ethical & Professional Conduct 3

Question 1

A defendant whispers something to their attorney during a hearing, and the interpreter overhears it. What should the interpreter do?

Accepted Answer

Keep the information confidential since it was attorney-client communication

Answer

Communications between a defendant and their attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege, and an interpreter who overhears such communications must maintain confidentiality.

Question 2

An interpreter working a long trial feels fatigued and believes their accuracy is declining. The most ethical action is to:

Accepted Answer

Request a break or co-interpreter to maintain interpretation quality

Answer

Interpreters are ethically obligated to maintain accuracy and must request assistance or breaks when fatigue threatens interpretation quality.

Question 3

A prosecutor asks the interpreter to explain why the defendant's answer seemed evasive. The interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and remind the prosecutor that interpreters do not analyze speaker intent

Answer

Interpreters must not offer opinions or analysis of a speaker's intent or demeanor, as this exceeds the interpreter role and threatens impartiality.

Question 4

Which of the following is an acceptable use of consecutive interpretation mode in court?

Accepted Answer

During short question-and-answer exchanges at counsel's request

Answer

Consecutive interpretation is commonly used during direct and cross-examination question-and-answer exchanges, especially when requested by counsel or the court.

Question 5

A bilingual court staff member offers to interpret to save time while the certified interpreter is late. What should happen?

Accepted Answer

The proceeding should wait for the certified interpreter

Answer

Only qualified, certified interpreters should interpret in legal proceedings to protect the record and the defendant's rights.

(BEI) Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Practice Test

(BEI) Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Practice Test

BEI Ethical & Professional Conduct 3