BEI Ethical & Professional Conduct 4

Question 1

During testimony, a witness uses profanity and offensive language. How should the interpreter handle this?

Accepted Answer

Interpret the language accurately, including its register and tone

Answer

Interpreters must render all speech faithfully, including profanity and offensive language, to preserve the tone and register of the original statement.

Question 2

An interpreter is asked to sight-translate a document written in a dialect they can read but with difficulty. The interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Decline the sight translation and request a credentialed translator

Answer

If an interpreter lacks confidence in their ability to accurately sight-translate a document, they must decline to protect the integrity of the record.

Question 3

An interpreter learns through interpreted proceedings that a witness is about to commit perjury. The interpreter's ethical duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Continue interpreting faithfully and take no independent action

Answer

Interpreters must maintain strict neutrality and may not act on information learned through the interpreting role, including suspected perjury.

Question 4

A court interpreter receives a call from a newspaper reporter asking about a case they interpreted. The interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Decline to discuss any aspect of the case and maintain confidentiality

Answer

Interpreters must maintain strict confidentiality about all matters encountered in their professional role and should not discuss cases with the media.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the BEI code of professional conduct for interpreters?

Accepted Answer

To ensure equal access to justice for individuals with limited English proficiency

Answer

The BEI's professional standards exist primarily to protect the due process rights of LEP individuals by ensuring accurate, impartial, and confidential interpretation.

(BEI) Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Practice Test

(BEI) Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Practice Test

BEI Ethical & Professional Conduct 4