Ethics & Professional Responsibility Flashcards

An interpreter working in consecutive mode is asked to interpret a very long statement without being allowed to take notes. The interpreter should:

Answer: Request that the speaker pause at intervals or request permission to take notes

Interpreters have a professional right to request conditions that support accuracy, including note-taking or chunking long utterances.

A prosecutor asks the interpreter privately whether the defendant 'seems truthful' based on the interpreter's linguistic observations. The interpreter should:

Answer: Decline and explain that assessing credibility is outside the interpreter's role

Credibility assessment is reserved for the fact-finder; an interpreter sharing such opinions breaches impartiality.

Under ethical standards, when may a court interpreter ethically decline an assignment?

Answer: When the interpreter has a conflict of interest or lacks the requisite competence

Conflict of interest and lack of competence are legitimate grounds for declining an assignment; personal discomfort is not.

A court interpreter observes that the judge is routinely asking them to simplify complex legal terms when interpreting for a defendant. The interpreter should:

Answer: Explain that simplifying terms alters meaning and may affect the defendant's rights, and suggest alternatives

Interpreters must advocate for conditions that allow accurate interpretation, even when directed by the court.

What does 'interpreter impartiality' require when the interpreter has personal moral objections to the crime alleged?

Answer: The interpreter must render accurate interpretation regardless of personal feelings about the case

Personal moral views are irrelevant to performance; an interpreter must remain impartial and accurate in all assigned cases.

Which scenario represents a violation of the principle of role boundaries for a court interpreter?

Answer: Providing legal advice to the defendant about whether to accept a plea deal

Providing legal advice is strictly outside the interpreter's role and constitutes unauthorized practice of law.

An interpreter assigned to a juvenile court proceeding must treat the case record with what level of confidentiality compared to adult court?

Answer: Equal or higher, since juvenile records carry strict confidentiality protections

Juvenile proceedings carry heightened confidentiality protections under law, requiring interpreters to be especially discreet.