Ethical Decision-Making & Professional Conduct Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Ethical Decision-Making & Professional Conduct flashcards as text
A courtroom interpreter is asked by the defense attorney—outside of the proceeding—to explain what the Deaf defendant said during a private consultation. The interpreter should:
Answer: Refuse, as attorney-client consultations are privileged and confidential regardless of who asks
Attorney-client privilege covers interpreters who facilitate those conversations, so disclosure to anyone—even the attorney asking to recap—could be inappropriate without proper legal process.
Which of the following MOST accurately describes 'role boundaries' in NIC ethical standards?
Answer: Interpreters should limit their role to facilitating communication and avoid taking on functions outside that scope
NIC ethical standards define the interpreter's role as communication facilitator, and expanding beyond that role compromises neutrality and professionalism.
An interpreter discovers that a colleague has been romantically involved with a Deaf client they interpret for regularly. What is the most appropriate professional response?
Answer: Discuss the concern with the colleague and, if unresolved, consider reporting to a supervisory or ethics body
Romantic relationships with clients violate professional boundaries; the appropriate ethical response involves direct peer conversation followed by formal reporting if needed.
During an interpreted classroom lecture, a student asks the interpreter to explain a concept the professor just covered. The interpreter should:
Answer: Direct the student to ask the professor directly and interpret that exchange
Answering questions independently oversteps the interpreter's role; directing the student to the professor preserves proper communication channels.
An interpreter who is Deaf themselves is asked to interpret a complex spoken English lecture into ASL. Before accepting, they should:
Answer: Assess whether their spoken English reception is sufficient for the specific content and venue acoustics
Competence assessment applies to all interpreters regardless of Deaf or hearing status; the specific assignment demands must be evaluated honestly.
A platform company wants interpreters to sign a blanket agreement that all session content may be stored and reviewed for quality purposes. An interpreter's ethical obligation is to:
Answer: Review the agreement carefully and decline or seek modification if it violates confidentiality standards
Blanket data retention agreements can violate client confidentiality, so interpreters must scrutinize and negotiate such terms before accepting.
An NIC-certified interpreter working in a Video Relay Service (VRS) environment is ethically required to:
Answer: Uphold RID/NIC ethical standards regardless of the platform or employer policies
NIC certification carries ethical obligations that apply across all work settings, including VRS environments where employer policies may differ.
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