CASLI Professional Ethics 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An interpreter is contacted by a law enforcement officer after an interpreted criminal investigation to recount what a suspect said during the session. What should the interpreter do?
- Cooperate fully since law enforcement supersedes confidentiality
- Decline unless compelled by a valid subpoena or court order (Correct answer)
- Share only information the interpreter personally witnessed, not interpreted content
- Immediately call the Deaf suspect to inform them of the request
Correct answer: Decline unless compelled by a valid subpoena or court order
Confidentiality is maintained even with law enforcement; disclosure requires a legal compulsion such as a subpoena or court order.
Question 2: What distinguishes 'consecutive' interpreting from 'simultaneous' interpreting in terms of ethical considerations?
- Consecutive interpreting requires a CDI while simultaneous does not
- In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter must take notes that must later be destroyed
- Both modalities carry the same core ethical obligations of fidelity and confidentiality (Correct answer)
- Simultaneous interpreting is exempt from confidentiality requirements
Correct answer: Both modalities carry the same core ethical obligations of fidelity and confidentiality
Regardless of the mode used, interpreters carry the same fundamental ethical obligations including fidelity, confidentiality, and impartiality.
Question 3: When an interpreter accepts an assignment that exceeds their skill level without disclosure, which ethical principle is primarily violated?
- Confidentiality
- Professional competence and integrity (Correct answer)
- Consumer preference
- Cultural mediation
Correct answer: Professional competence and integrity
Accepting work beyond one's competency without disclosure violates the ethical principle of professional integrity and can harm consumers.
Question 4: How should an interpreter handle a situation where two consumers in the same interpreted session are in direct conflict with each other?
- Side with the party who appears more credible
- Interpret impartially for both parties without favoring either (Correct answer)
- Withdraw from the assignment to avoid complicity in the conflict
- Mediate the conflict using their knowledge of both cultures
Correct answer: Interpret impartially for both parties without favoring either
The interpreter must remain impartial and serve all parties equally, even in adversarial situations, which is their core ethical obligation.
Question 5: An interpreter is offered a significant gift by a grateful Deaf consumer after a difficult interpreting assignment. What is the most appropriate response?
- Accept it graciously since refusing would be culturally insensitive
- Decline the gift and explain that accepting could compromise professional boundaries (Correct answer)
- Accept only if the value is below a self-determined threshold
- Report the offer to their agency before making a decision
Correct answer: Decline the gift and explain that accepting could compromise professional boundaries
Accepting gifts from consumers can compromise professional boundaries and the appearance of impartiality, so they should generally be declined.
Question 6: A new interpreter is offered a VRS (Video Relay Service) shift but has never worked in a VRS setting before. What is the ethical obligation?
- Accept and learn on the job since all interpreting uses the same skills
- Accept only if they can shadow a senior interpreter on the first shift
- Disclose their lack of VRS experience and assess whether they have sufficient competency (Correct answer)
- Decline all VRS work until they complete a formal VRS training program
Correct answer: Disclose their lack of VRS experience and assess whether they have sufficient competency
Self-assessment of competency for specific settings is an ethical obligation; the interpreter must honestly evaluate whether they can meet the demands of VRS interpreting.
Question 7: In the context of CASLI ethics, what does 'professional deportment' refer to?
- The geographic mobility required of certified interpreters
- Conduct and demeanor that reflect positively on the profession (Correct answer)
- The formal dress code required at all interpreting assignments
- The process of revoking certification for misconduct
Correct answer: Conduct and demeanor that reflect positively on the profession
Professional deportment refers to the conduct, demeanor, and behavior that uphold the dignity and reputation of the interpreting profession.
CASLI Professional Ethics 4
An interpreter is contacted by a law enforcement officer after an interpreted criminal investigation to recount what a suspect said during the session.
What should the interpreter do?