CTC Ethics & Professional Responsibility 5

Question 1

When an interpreter is working via video remote interpreting (VRI) and the audio quality degrades to a point affecting accuracy, the interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Immediately alert the court to the technical issue and request a pause or alternative arrangement

Answer

Poor audio that compromises accuracy must be reported immediately, as it directly affects the defendant's right to meaningful interpretation.

Question 2

A court interpreter who previously worked as a police officer is assigned to interpret in a case involving law enforcement misconduct. This situation requires:

Accepted Answer

Disclosure of the prior law enforcement background to the court as a potential conflict of interest

Answer

Prior professional relationships or roles that could create bias must be disclosed so the court can evaluate whether a conflict exists.

Question 3

What is the ethical significance of an interpreter using first-person voice when interpreting testimony?

Accepted Answer

It maintains accuracy by preserving the speaker's voice and preventing the interpreter from becoming a filter

Answer

First-person voice keeps the interpreter in a conduit role, preventing distortion that occurs when the interpreter paraphrases in third person.

Question 4

A court interpreter is bilingual in English and Mandarin but has never interpreted in a specialized patent case. The ethical course of action before accepting the assignment is to:

Accepted Answer

Honestly assess and disclose any lack of specialized technical vocabulary competence

Answer

Subject-matter competence is a component of professional competence; gaps must be disclosed so the court can make an informed decision.

Question 5

How should a court interpreter handle a situation where the opposing party's attorney attempts to coach the interpreter on how to render a disputed term?

Accepted Answer

Decline the coaching and, if necessary, alert the court to the attempted interference

Answer

Attorneys must not direct interpretation; the interpreter's duty is to the court and accuracy, not to any party's preferred rendering.

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

CTC Ethics & Professional Responsibility 5