Florida Rules for Certification and Regulation of Spoken Language Court Interpreters
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FLORIDA RULES FOR CERTIFICATION AND
REGULATION OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE COURT INTERPRETERS
RULES FOR CERTIFICATION AND REGULATION OF SPOKEN
LANGUAGE COURT INTERPRETERS
CITATIONS TO OPINIONS ADOPTING OR AMENDING RULES
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
RULE 14.100. DEFINITIONS
RULE 14.110. COURT INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION BOARD
II. INTERPRETER REGISTRATION AND DESIGNATIONS
RULE 14.200. REGISTRATION
RULE 14.202. EXCLUSIVE DESIGNATIONS
RULE 14.205. CERTIFIED COURT INTERPRETER DESIGNATION
RULE 14.210. LANGUAGE SKILLED DESIGNATION
RULE 14.215. PROVISIONALLY APPROVED DESIGNATION
RULE 14.220. WAIVER OF EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
RULE 14.225. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES
III. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
RULE 14.300. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
RULE 14.310. ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS
RULE 14.320. REPRESENTATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
RULE 14.330. IMPARTIALITY AND AVOIDANCE OF
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
RULE 14.340. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RESTRICTION OF
PUBLIC COMMENT
RULE 14.350. PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR
RULE 14.360. SCOPE OF PRACTICE
RULE 14.370. ASSESSING AND REPORTING IMPEDIMENTS
TO PERFORMANCE
RULE 14.380. DUTY TO REPORT ETHICAL VIOLATIONS
RULE 14.390. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
IV. DISCIPLINE
March 21, 2017
RULE 14.400. APPLICATION
RULE 14.405. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
RULE 14.410. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
RULE 14.420. DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
RULE 14.430. DISCIPLINARY DISPOSITIONS
RULE 14.440. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DISCIPLINARY
PROCEEDINGS
RULE 14.450. REINSTATEMENT
RULE 14.460. CHIEF JUSTICE REVIEW
CITATIONS TO OPINIONS ADOPTING OR AMENDING RULES
Effective 07-01-2006: 933 So. 2d 504.
OTHER OPINIONS
Effective Date Citation Description
Effective 05-01-14: 136 So.3d 584. Amended 14.100, 14.110, 14.200, 14.210, 14.220, 14.230, 14.240, 14.300,
14.400, 14.410, 14.420, 14.430, 14.440, 14.450. Adopted 14.205, .215,
14.225, 14.405.
Effective 04-01-15: 159 So.3d 804. Amended 14.100, 14.110, 14.200, 14.205, 14.210, 14.215,14.225, 14.230,
14.300, 14.400, 14.405 14.430, 14.450. Adopted 14.202, 14.220.
Effective 10-01-15: 159 So.3d 804. Amended 14.200(a), 14.205(b)(1), 14.210(b)(1), 14.215(a)(1).
Effective 10-01-15: 176 So.3d 256. Amended 14.100, 14.110, 14.200, 14.205, 14.210, 14.215, 14.220, 14.225,
14.310, 14.320, 14.370, 14.405, 14.410, 14.450. Deleted 14.230, 14.240.
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
RULE 14.100. DEFINITIONS
The following terms have the meanings shown as used in these rules:
(a) Court Interpreter. Any person providing spoken language court
interpreting services during a court or court-related proceeding, except persons
performing such services without remuneration on behalf of persons demonstrating
an inability to pay in circumstances not requiring appointment of a court
interpreter.
(b) Certified Court Interpreter. A designation reserved for interpreters
who have completed all requirements for certification in accordance with these
rules and hold a valid certificate issued by the Office of the State Courts
Administrator.
(c) Language Skilled. A designation reserved for interpreters who have
completed all requirements in accordance with these rules, but who are seeking
certification in a spoken language for which there is no state-certifying
examination, and hold a valid certificate issued by the Office of the State Courts
Administrator.
(d) Provisionally Approved. A designation reserved for interpreters of
spoken languages for which a state-certifying examination is available, who,
although not yet certified, have passed the oral performance exam at a lesser
qualifying prescribed level and hold a valid certificate issued by the Office of the
State Courts Administrator.
(e) Duly Qualified Interpreter. An interpreter who is certified or
language skilled, or, if a certified or language skilled interpreter is unavailable, a
provisionally approved interpreter, as these terms are defined under subdivisions
(b) through (d) above.
(f) Court. Any county, circuit, or district court of this state or the
Supreme Court of Florida.
(g) Court Proceeding. Any hearing or trial presided over by a state court
judge, general magistrate, special magistrate, or hearing officer within the state
courts system.
(h) Court-Related Proceeding. Any event, including, but not limited to,
a deposition, mediation, arbitration, or examination, which occurs or could be
made to occur as a result of a court order, subpoena, or general law, and for which
the primary purpose is the communication or exchange of information related to a
claim or defense in or the settlement of a pending or impending court case.
However, a law enforcement investigation which does not yet involve the
participation of the prosecuting authority shall not be considered a court-related
proceeding.
(i) Limited-English-Proficient Person. A person who is unable to
communicate effectively in English because the individual’s primary language is
not English and he or she has not developed fluency in the English language. A
person with limited English proficiency may have difficulty speaking, reading,
writing, or understanding English.
(j) Board. The Court Interpreter Certification Board.
(k) Compliance Period. The two-year period beginning upon issuance
of a letter confirming registration or renewal of registration of a court interpreter.
(l) State-Certifying Examination. A full or abbreviated board-
approved oral performance examination designed to objectively measure whether
candidates possesses the minimum levels of language knowledge and fluency and
interpreting skills required to perform competently during court proceedings.
(m) Written Examination. An initial qualifying or screening
examination designed to measure a candidate’s literacy in English, familiarity
with, and usage of, court-related terms, and/or knowledge of matters regarding
interpreter ethics and related professional conduct.
(n) Full Oral Performance Examination. An oral examination which
measures language knowledge and fluency in both English and non-English
languages, as well as the ability to successfully render meaning in target and
source languages in simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, and
sight translation of documents.
(o) Abbreviated Oral Performance Examination. An oral examination
assessing functional proficiency to competently interpret simultaneously in court
from English to a non-English language, and prerequisite to which a candidate
must satisfy board-approved oral proficiency interviews in both English and non-
English languages.
(p) Oral Proficiency Interview. A standardized language proficiency
interview assessing functional speaking ability in both English and non-English
languages.
(q) Modes of Court Interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation,
consecutive interpretation, and sight translation of documents in a court setting.
(r) Transcription. The process of preserving audio or videotaped sound
files in written form, duplicating the original, together with its translation into the
target language, and, when used for evidentiary purposes, produced in dual-
language format with the original and translation appearing side-by-side.
(s) Translation. Converting a written text from one language into
written text in another language.
RULE 14.110. COURT INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION BOARD
(a) Board Composition. The Court Interpreter Certification Board is
created to supervise a process encouraging certification of court interpreters by
which qualified persons may become registered and officially designated, and in
accordance with which the conduct of all persons engaged in spoken language
interpreting in court and court-related proceedings shall be governed. The board
shall be under the supervisory authority of the Supreme Court of Florida. It shall
be composed of ten persons, appointed by the chief justice, as follows:
(1) two county court judges;
(2) three circuit court judges;
(3) three trial court administrators;
(4) one federally certified court interpreter; and
(5) one state certified court interpreter.
(b) Staff. Such staff as may be necessary to administer the program and
permit the board to carry out its duties shall be provided by the Office of the State
Courts Administrator insofar as funded by the Florida Legislature.
(c) Officers; Quorum. The chief justice shall appoint one of the board
members to serve as chair. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.
(d) Vacancies. Any vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment
by the chief justice. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the
remainder of the term of the member being replaced.
(e) Terms. All terms shall be three years. Members shall be eligible for
reappointment.
(f) Duties. The duties of the board shall include:
(1) registration, designation, regulation, and discipline of all court
interpreters, and, upon failure to comply with these rules, suspension and
revocation of registrations and acquired designations;
(2) authority to periodically review and adopt new or amended
board operating procedures consistent with these rules;
(3) authority to make recommendations to the supreme court
regarding language access issues and amendment of court rules relating to
provision of spoken language court interpreting services; and
(4) performance of such other assignments relating to provision of
spoken language court interpreting services as may be directed by the chief justice
of the supreme court.
(g) Fees. The board shall have the authority to recommend to the
supreme court such fees as the board may deem necessary to permit it to carry out
its duties. Such fees shall be made payable to the State of Florida and shall be non-
refundable.
(h) Records; Registry. The board shall maintain records and minutes of
its meetings and all other official actions. It shall maintain a record of all
continuing education credits earned by registered, certified, language skilled, and
provisionally approved court interpreters. It shall also maintain separate registries
containing the name and, as applicable, designation number, renewal date, and
geographic areas where services are available for each registered and officially
designated court interpreter.
(i) Expenses. Members of the board shall serve without compensation.
However, they shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties, in compliance with all rules and statutes governing
such reimbursement.
II. INTERPRETER REGISTRATION AND DESIGNATIONS
RULE 14.200. REGISTRATION
(a) Registration. Court interpreters shall, prior to providing interpreter
services, become registered with the Office of the State Courts Administrator.
(b) General Prerequisites. Unless otherwise provided, all applicants
completing prerequisites for registration must:
(1) as an initial prerequisite, attend a two-day orientation program
administered by the Office of the State Courts Administrator or board-approved
training provider;
(2) pass a written examination approved by the board, which shall
include an ethics component;
(3) submit an approved reporting form documenting completion of
20 hours of courtroom observation;
(4) take an oath to uphold the Code of Professional Conduct
adopted in these rules;
(5) undergo and pass a background check according to standards
prescribed by the board and published in board operating procedure;
(6) agree to obtain 16 credits of continuing education from a
continuing education program approved by the board; and
(7) agree to diligently pursue designation as a certified, language
skilled, or provisionally approved interpreter and, within the first year of any two-
year registration or applicable renewal period, submit to:
(i) at least 1 full oral performance examination approved by
the board, or, in the event a full oral performance examination is unavailable,
submit to a board-approved abbreviated oral examination and demonstrate
functional speaking ability in English and a non-English language through oral
proficiency interviews as a prerequisite to taking the abbreviated examination;
(ii) at least 1 approved oral proficiency interview in English
and a non-English language for which there is no state-certifying examination as
an assessment of functional speaking ability; or
(iii) at least 1 equivalent state-certifying examination in
another state that is in accordance with board-approved requisites; and
(8) submit an application for registration and enclose an initial
application fee in an amount set by the supreme court.
(c) Renewal and Maintenance of Registration. Registration under this
rule shall be valid for a period of 2 years. Before any person’s registration may be
renewed, he or she must:
(1) complete 16 credits of continuing education through a board-
approved program and submit an application for continuing education credit on a
reporting form furnished by the board;
(2) complete 20 law-related professional court interpreting
assignments, or a lesser number of assignments totaling no fewer than 40 hours;
(3) pay any applicable renewal fee in an amount set by the supreme
court; and
(4) if not officially designated as certified, language skilled, or
provisionally approved, comply again with subdivisions (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(7)
of this rule.
Officially designated state-level court interpreters who are employed by the
courts in court interpreting positions may, rather than reporting discrete law-related
professional assignments, provide proof of court employment and an affidavit
averring compliance with this requirement. Court interpreters unable to complete
the required professional court interpreting assignments because of a limited need
for interpreting services in their language or in other exceptional circumstances
may be eligible, upon written request and board approval, for an extension of time
or exemption. A language skilled or provisionally approved interpreter who is
granted an extension must, in lieu of a biennial renewal fee and as a condition of
maintaining registration and any official state-level designation, pay a fee in an
amount proportionate to the time of extension.
(d) Letters Confirming Registration and Renewal. Letters confirming
registration and renewal of registration shall be issued to persons satisfying
requirements under this rule. Any official state-level designation held by the
registered interpreter shall be noted in such letters.
(e) Approved Continuing Education. The board shall keep and
maintain a list of approved continuing education programs. Approval of an
educational program or activity not listed shall be at the board’s discretion and
subject to approval on a case-by-case basis.
(f) Notification. The board shall notify all registered court interpreters in
writing of the expiration of their registration and any corresponding official state-
level designation at least 90 days before such date. Notice shall be given by
regular United States mail or via e-mail, directed to the last postal or e-mail
address on file with the board.
(g) Administrative Suspension. Registration and any corresponding
official state-level designation shall be suspended automatically upon failure to
comply with requirements under rule 14.200(c), but may be reinstated upon
application to the board, accompanied by payment and made within 60 days of the
date of suspension. Upon expiration of the 60-day grace period, registration and
any official state-level designation shall be revoked and any request for
reinstatement must be made in accordance with rule 14.450.
(h) Administrative Revocation. Registration shall be automatically
revoked for any person who fails to submit to at least one of the foregoing
examinations within the first year of any two-year registration period, except for
registrants who have previously achieved the designation of certified, language
skilled, or provisionally approved court interpreter. A court interpreter whose
registration is revoked under this subdivision shall not be eligible for registration
for a period of 1 year following revocation and must thereafter comply with all
requirements of subdivision (b) of this rule.
(i) Threshold Performance. Registration may be revoked at the
discretion of the board for any person who fails to attain minimum scores, in
accordance with standards prescribed by the board and published in board
operating procedures, on the sight translation, simultaneous interpretation, and
consecutive interpretation components during a single test administration as
specified under subdivision (b)(7)(i) or (b)(7)(iii), or who fails to demonstrate
satisfactory functional speaking ability as prescribed by the board during an oral
proficiency interview under subdivision (b)(7)(ii).
(j) Persons Holding Valid Designation Before October 1, 2015. A
person holding the designation of certified, language skilled, or provisionally
approved interpreter before October 1, 2015, is deemed to be registered for the
remainder of the two-year compliance period then applicable to such person. Such
person’s registration shall expire on the date which is two years following official
designation or the last renewal of such designation. Such person must thereafter
renew registration under subdivision (c) of this rule.
RULE 14.202. EXCLUSIVE DESIGNATIONS
Court interpreters shall be designated certified, language skilled, or
provisionally approved upon qualifying in accordance with rules 14.205, 14.210,
and 14.215.
RULE 14.205. CERTIFIED COURT INTERPRETER DESIGNATION
(a) Preferred Appointment, Retention, and Staffing. The certified
court interpreter designation represents the highest qualified state-level interpreter
designation and shall be the preferred designation in the selection, appointment,
staffing, or private retention of court interpreters.
(b) Requirements. An applicant seeking designation as a certified court
interpreter must:
(1) register under provisions of rule 14.200, complying with
subdivisions 14.200(a), (b)(1) through (b)(6), and (b)(8);
(2) pass a board-approved full oral performance examination upon
attaining a minimum score in accordance with standards prescribed by the board
and published in board operating procedures, unless qualifying for a waiver of the
examination requirement under rule 14.220; and
(3) absent availability of a full oral performance examination, pass a
board-approved abbreviated oral examination, attaining a minimum score in
accordance with standards prescribed by the board and published in board
operating procedures, and demonstrate functional speaking ability in English and a
non-English language as prescribed by the board through oral proficiency
interviews as a prerequisite to taking the abbreviated examination and qualifying
for certification.
(c) Court-Employed Interpreters. Applicants who are selected as
employee interpreters in the state courts system for a language for which a state-
certifying examination is available, but who are not certified at the time of court
employment, shall become certified within 1 year of being employed in a court
interpreting position. The one-year requirement may be modified by the board on
a case-by-case basis, if necessary, only in exceptional circumstances.
RULE 14.210. LANGUAGE SKILLED DESIGNATION
(a) Preferred Appointment, Retention, and Staffing. The language
skilled designation represents the highest qualified state-level interpreter
designation for languages for which there is currently no state-certifying
examination and shall be the preferred designation over non-designated interpreters
in selection, appointment, staffing, or private retention of court interpreters in the
area of the language skilled individual’s linguistic expertise.
(b) Requirements. An applicant seeking designation as a language
skilled court interpreter for which there is no state-certifying examination must:
(1) register under provisions of rule 14.200, complying with
subdivisions 14.200(a), (b)(1) through (b)(6), and (b)(8); and
(2) pass an approved oral proficiency interview in English and a
non-English language, attaining a minimum score in accordance with standards
prescribed by the board and published in board operating procedures, as an
assessment of functional speaking ability.
(c) Conditional Designation. In the event a language-specific state-
certifying examination becomes available, a language skilled interpreter shall be
required to take and pass the certifying examination within 2 years of notice of its
availability. Failure to become certified within this two-year period shall result in
loss of the language skilled designation, unless the board approves an extension in
exceptional circumstances.
RULE 14.215. PROVISIONALLY APPROVED DESIGNATION
(a) Preferred Appointment, Retention, and Staffing. The
provisionally approved court interpreter designation represents the highest
qualified state-level interpreter designation next below the certified and language
skilled designations and shall be the preferred designation in the selection,
appointment, staffing, or private retention of court interpreters when certified or
language skilled interpreters are unavailable.
(b) Requirements. An individual not yet certified in a spoken language
for which a state-certifying examination is available may be designated as
provisionally approved upon:
(1) registering under provisions of rule 14.200, complying with
subdivisions 14.200(a), (b)(1) through (b)(6), and (b)(8); and
(2) attaining minimum scores on each section of the oral
examination in accordance with standards prescribed by the board and published in
board operating procedures.
(c) Loss of Designation. Following designation as a provisionally
approved interpreter, if the interpreter fails to become certified within 2 years, the
interpreter will forfeit the designation unless the board approves an extension in
exceptional circumstances.
RULE 14.220. WAIVER OF EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
(a) Federal Certification. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to the
board, the oral performance examination requirement shall be waived for anyone
holding a federal courts certificate which is issued by the Administrative Office of
the United States Courts and whose name appears on the registry of federally
certified interpreters. No other component of certification or registration is waived
by this rule.
(b) Equivalent Examination. Upon presentation of proof satisfactory to
the board, the examination requirement shall be waived for anyone who has passed
an equivalent examination in another state and meets minimum qualifying board-
approved requisites. No other component of registration, certification, language
skilled, or provisionally approved designation is waived by this rule.
RULE 14.225. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES
Upon satisfactory completion of the specified requirements, the board shall
issue a certificate for each official designation which shall include a designation
number, date of issue, and date of expiration. A certificate issued under this rule
shall expire on the same date that the officially designated interpreter’s registration
expires. Registrations shall be renewed, as applicable, upon satisfaction of renewal
requirements under rule 14.200(c). Certificates for certified and language skilled
interpreters shall be reissued upon renewal of registration.
III. CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
RULE 14.300. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
All court interpreters shall act in a professional manner in keeping with the
Code of Professional Conduct as set forth herein. Failure to adhere to the Code
may lead to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action is at the discretion of the
board.
RULE 14.310. ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS
Interpreters shall render a complete and accurate interpretation or sight
translation, without altering, omitting, summarizing, or adding anything to what is
stated or written, and without explanation.
Committee Notes
The interpreter has a twofold duty: (1) to ensure that the proceedings in
English reflect precisely what was said by a non-English speaking person, and (2)
to place the non-English speaking person on an equal footing with those who
understand English. This creates an obligation to conserve every element of
information contained in a source language communication when it is rendered in
the target language.
Therefore, interpreters are obligated to apply their best skills and judgment
to preserve faithfully the meaning of what is said in court, including the style or
register of speech. Verbatim, “word for word” or literal oral interpretations are not
appropriate when they distort the meaning of the source language, but every
spoken statement, even if it appears nonresponsive, obscene, rambling, or
incoherent should be interpreted. This includes apparent misstatements and
ambiguities.
Interpreters should never interject their own words, phrases, or expressions.
If the need arises to explain an interpreting problem (for example, a term or phrase
with no direct equivalent in the target language or a misunderstanding that only the
interpreter can clarify), the interpreter should ask the court’s permission to provide
an explanation. Interpreters should convey the emotional emphasis of the speaker
without reenacting or mimicking the speaker’s emotions, or dramatic gestures.
The obligation to preserve accuracy includes the interpreter’s duty to correct
any error of interpretation discovered by the interpreter during the proceeding.
Interpreters should demonstrate their professionalism by objectively analyzing any
challenge to their performance.
RULE 14.320. REPRESENTATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
Interpreters shall accurately and completely represent their registrations,
official state-level designations, other certifications, training, and pertinent
experience.
Committee Notes
Acceptance of a case by an interpreter conveys linguistic competency in
legal settings. Withdrawing or being asked to withdraw from a case after it begins
causes a disruption of court proceedings and is wasteful of scarce public resources.
It is therefore essential that interpreters present a complete and truthful account of
their training, certification and experience prior to appointment so the court can
fairly evaluate their qualifications for delivering interpreting services.
RULE 14.330. IMPARTIALITY AND AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT OF
INTEREST
Interpreters shall be impartial and unbiased and shall refrain from conduct
that may give an appearance of bias. Interpreters shall disclose any real or
perceived conflict of interest.
Committee Notes
The interpreter serves as an officer of the court, and the interpreter’s duty in
a court proceeding is to serve the court and the public to which the court is a
servant. This is true regardless of whether the interpreter is publicly retained at
government expense or retained privately at the expense of one of the parties.
The interpreter should avoid any conduct or behavior that presents the
appearance of favoritism toward any of the parties. Interpreters should maintain
professional relationships with their clients, and should not take an active part in
any of the proceedings. The interpreter should discourage a non-English speaking
party’s personal dependence. During the course of the proceedings, interpreters
should not converse with parties, witnesses, jurors, attorneys, or with friends of
relatives of any party, except in the discharge of their official functions. It is
especially important that interpreters, who are often familiar with attorneys or
other members of the courtroom work group, including law enforcement officers,
refrain from casual and personal conversation with anyone in the court that may
convey an appearance of a special relationship or partiality to any of the court
participants.
The interpreter should strive for professional detachment. Verbal and
nonverbal displays of personal attitudes, prejudices, emotions, or opinions should
be avoided at all times.
Should an interpreter become aware that a participant in the proceedings
views the interpreter as having a bias or being biased, the interpreter should
disclose that knowledge to the appropriate judicial authority and counsel. Any
condition that interferes with the objectivity of an interpreter constitutes a conflict
of interest. Before providing services in a matter, court interpreters must disclose
any prior involvement to all parties and presiding officials, whether personal or
professional, that could be reasonably construed as a conflict of interest. This
disclosure should not include privileged or confidential information.
The following are examples including, but not limited to, circumstances that
are presumed to create factual or apparent conflicts of interest for interpreters
where interpreters should not serve:
(1) The interpreter is a friend, associate, or relative of a party or counsel
for a party involved in the proceeding.
(2) The interpreter has served in an investigative capacity for any party
involved in the proceeding.
(3) The interpreter has previously been retained by a law enforcement
agency to assist in the preparation of the criminal case at issue.
(4) The interpreter or the interpreter’s spouse or child has a financial
interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any
other interest that would be affected by the outcome of the case.
(5) The interpreter has been involved in the choice of a counsel or law
firm for that case.
Interpreters should disclose to the court and other parties when they have
previously been retained for private employment by one of the parties in the case.
An interpreter should not serve in any matter in which payment for his or her
services is contingent upon the outcome of the case.
Court interpreters will not accept money or other consideration or favors of
any nature or kind which might reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to
influence their actions with respect to the discharge of their obligations except for
the authorized payment for services.
An interpreter who is also an attorney should not serve in both capacities in
the same matter. Interpreters should notify the presiding officer of any personal
bias they may have involving any aspect of the proceeding. For example, an
interpreter who has been the victim of a sexual assault may wish to be excused
from interpreting in cases involving similar offenses.
RULE 14.340. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RESTRICTION OF PUBLIC
COMMENT
Interpreters shall protect the confidentiality of all privileged and other
confidential information. Furthermore, interpreters shall not publicly discuss,
report, or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are or have been
engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be
confidential.
Committee Notes
The interpreter must protect and uphold the confidentiality of all privileged
information obtained during the course of her or his duties. It is especially
important that the interpreter understand and uphold the attorney-client privilege,
which requires confidentiality with respect to any communication between attorney
and client.
This rule also applies to other types of privileged communications, except
upon court order to the contrary.
Interpreters must also refrain from repeating or disclosing information
obtained by them in the course of their employment that may be relevant to the
legal proceeding.
In the event that an interpreter becomes aware of information that suggests
imminent harm to someone or relates to a crime being committed during the course
of the proceedings, the interpreter should immediately disclose the information to
an appropriate authority within the judiciary who is not involved in the proceeding
and seek advice in regard to the potential conflict in professional responsibility. An
interpreter should never grant interviews to the media, make comments, or express
personal opinions to any of the parties about any aspect of the case even after a
verdict is rendered.
RULE 14.350. PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR
Interpreters shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the dignity
of the court and shall be as unobtrusive as possible.
Committee Notes
Interpreters should know and observe the established protocol, rules,
procedures, and dress code when delivering interpreting services. When speaking
in English, interpreters should speak at a rate and volume that enables them to be
heard and understood throughout the courtroom, but the interpreter’s presence
should otherwise be as unobtrusive as possible. Interpreters should work without
drawing undue or inappropriate attention to themselves. Interpreters should dress
in a manner that is consistent with the dignity of the proceeding of the court.
Interpreters shall refrain from making any type of referral. Interpreters shall
adhere to all instructions given by the court in which their services are being used.
RULE 14.360. SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Interpreters shall limit themselves to interpreting or translating, and shall not
give legal advice, express personal opinions to individuals for whom they are
interpreting, or engage in any other activities which may be construed to constitute
a service other than interpreting or translating while serving as an interpreter.
Committee Notes
Since interpreters are responsible only for enabling others to communicate,
they should limit themselves to the activity of interpreting or translating.
Interpreters should refrain from initiating communications while interpreting
unless it is necessary for assuring an accurate and faithful interpretation.
Interpreters may be required to initiate communications during a proceeding
when they find it necessary to seek assistance in performing their duties. In this
case, the interpreter should ask the Court’s permission to initiate the
communication. Examples of such circumstances include seeking direction when
unable to understand or express a word or thought, requesting speakers to moderate
their rate of communication or repeat or rephrase something, correcting their own
interpreting errors, or notifying the court of reservations about their ability to
satisfy an assignment competently. In such instances, they should make it clear
that they are speaking for themselves. (This is achieved by using the third person–
–example: “The interpreter requests that the question be repeated, clarified, etc.
...”).
An interpreter may convey legal advice from an attorney to a person only
while that attorney is giving it. An interpreter should not explain the purpose of
forms, services, or otherwise act as counselors or advisors unless they are
interpreting for someone who is acting in that official capacity. The interpreter
may translate language on a form for a person who is filling out the form, but may
not explain the form or its purpose for such a person.
The interpreter should not personally perform official acts that are the
official responsibility of other court officers, including, but not limited to, court
clerks, pretrial release investigators or interviewers, or probation counselors.
RULE 14.370. ASSESSING AND REPORTING IMPEDIMENTS TO
PERFORMANCE
Interpreters shall assess their ability to deliver their services at all times.
When interpreters have any reservation about their ability to satisfy an assignment
competently, they shall immediately convey that reservation to the appropriate
judicial authority.
Committee Notes
If the communications mode or language of the non-English speaking person
cannot be readily interpreted, the interpreter must immediately notify the
appropriate judicial authority.
Interpreters should notify the appropriate judicial authority of any
environmental or physical limitation that impedes or hinders their ability to deliver
interpreting services adequately (for example, the court room is not quiet enough
for the interpreter to hear or be heard by the non-English speaker, more than one
person at a time is speaking, or principals or witnesses of the court are speaking at
a rate of speed that is too rapid for the interpreter to adequately interpret).
Interpreters should notify the presiding officer of the need to take periodic
breaks to maintain mental and physical alertness and prevent interpreter fatigue.
Interpreters should recommend and encourage the use of team interpreting
whenever necessary.
Interpreters are encouraged to make inquiries as to the nature of a case
whenever possible before accepting an assignment. This enables interpreters to
match more closely their professional qualifications, skills, and experience to
potential assignments and more accurately assess their ability to satisfy those
assignments competently. Even competent and experienced interpreters may
encounter cases where routine proceedings suddenly involve technical or
specialized terminology unfamiliar to the interpreter (for example, the unscheduled
testimony of an expert witness). When such instances occur, interpreters should
request a brief recess to familiarize themselves with the subject matter. If
familiarity with the terminology requires extensive research, interpreters must
inform the presiding officer.
Interpreters should refrain from accepting a case if they feel the language
and subject matter of that case are likely to exceed their skills or capacities.
Interpreters should feel no compunction about notifying the presiding officer if
they feel unable to perform competently, due to lack of familiarity with
terminology, preparation, or difficulty in understanding a witness or defendant.
Because of the difficulty in translating sound recordings, the practice of doing so in
court should be discouraged at all times. In certain instances, the presiding officer
will order the interpreter to translate in court an audio recording. In such case, the
interpreter should do it, but should state on the record that he or she cannot certify
the accuracy of the translation.
RULE 14.380. DUTY TO REPORT ETHICAL VIOLATIONS
Interpreters shall report any effort to impede or influence their compliance
with any law, any provision of this Code, or any other official policy governing
court interpreting and legal translating to the proper judicial authority.
Committee Notes
Because the users of interpreting services frequently misunderstand the
proper role of the interpreter, they may ask or expect the interpreter to perform
duties or engage in activities that run counter to the provisions of this code or other
laws, regulations, or policies governing court interpreters. It is incumbent upon the
interpreter to inform such persons of his or her professional obligations. If, having
been apprised of their obligations, the person persists in demanding that the
interpreter violate them, the interpreter should turn to a supervisory interpreter, the
judge, or another official with jurisdiction over interpreter matters to resolve the
situation.
Interpreters must at all times during court proceedings interpret everything
that is being said on the record, including, but not limited to jury instructions and
comments made by the defendants or other participants in the proceeding unless
directed to the contrary by the court on the record. Interpreters shall refrain from
altering, amending, or omitting any statements made on the record even if asked by
a court officer or any other party. Interpreters faced with such a request must
immediately inform the party in question that this would constitute a direct
violation of the interpreters’ code of ethics and refuse to comply with such
demand.
RULE 14.390. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Interpreters shall continually improve their skills and knowledge and
advance the profession through activities such as professional training, continuing
education, and interaction with colleagues and specialists in related fields.
Committee Notes
Interpreters must continually strive to increase their knowledge of the
languages they work in professionally, including past and current trends in
technical, vernacular, and regional terminology as well as their application within
court proceedings.
Interpreters should keep informed of all statutes, rules of courts, and policies
of the judiciary that relate to the performance of their professional duties. An
interpreter should seek to elevate the standards of the profession through
participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with colleagues,
coursework, and reading current literature in the field.
IV. DISCIPLINE
RULE 14.400. APPLICATION
All court interpreters shall be subject to the disciplinary provisions under
this part.
RULE 14.405. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
(a) Suspension or Revocation. Any official state-level interpreter
designation or registration may be suspended or revoked.
(b) Cause. Any of the following may constitute cause:
(1) conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral
turpitude, dishonesty, or false statements;
(2) fraud, dishonesty, or corruption which is related to the functions
and duties of a court interpreter;
(3) continued false or deceptive advertising after receipt of a cease
and desist notice from the board;
(4) gross incompetence or unprofessional or unethical conduct;
(5) fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining or renewing any state-
level court interpreter designation or registration;
(6) noncompliance with rule provisions directing completion of
law-related professional interpreting assignments or continuing education
requirements; or
(7) nonpayment of fees.
RULE 14.410. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
(a) Initiation. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by a standard
form asserting a violation of these rules. The complaint shall be in writing under
oath and filed with the Office of the State Courts Administrator. The board may
initiate disciplinary proceedings on its own motion. The board shall be divided
into an investigative committee and a hearing panel, in accordance with guidelines
published in board operating procedures consistent with these rules.
(b) Facial Sufficiency. If a majority of the investigative committee, after
an in-person or conference call meeting, finds that the allegations, if true, would
constitute a violation of these rules, it shall send a copy of the complaint
identifying the rule or rules alleged to have been violated to the court interpreter by
certified United States mail directed to the last mailing address on file with the
board. If the complaint is found to be facially insufficient, the complaint shall be
dismissed without prejudice and the complainant and interpreter shall be so
notified.
(c) Response. Within 30 days of the issuance of a finding of facial
sufficiency, the court interpreter shall file a written response with the investigative
committee. If no response is filed, the violations identified in the finding of facial
sufficiency shall be deemed admitted.
(d) Review. Upon review of the complaint and the interpreter’s response,
if any, the investigative committee may find that no violation has occurred and
dismiss the complaint. If the complaint is not dismissed, the investigative
committee shall review the complaint, the response, if any, and any underlying
documentation, to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the
alleged misconduct occurred and would constitute a violation of the rules. The
investigative committee may conduct a further investigation if warranted. The
investigative committee may also meet with the complainant and interpreter in an
attempt to resolve the matter. Such resolution may include sanctions if agreed to
by the interpreter.
(e) Probable Cause Found. If probable cause exists, the investigative
committee may draft formal charges and forward such charges for a hearing. In
the alternative, the investigative committee may decide not to pursue the case by
filing a short and plain statement of the reason(s) for non-referral and so advise the
complainant and the interpreter in writing. If formal charges are filed, they shall
include a short and plain statement of the matters asserted in the complaint and
references to the particular rules involved.
(f) Hearing Panel Review. Within 60 days after the filing of the formal
charges, the hearing panel shall review the complaint, the finding of probable
cause, and the response, if any, and decide whether to (i) dismiss the proceeding,
(ii) issue a proposed disposition, or (iii) set a hearing. The hearing panel shall
promptly send written notice of its decision to the court interpreter and to the
complainant by certified United States mail, return receipt requested.
(g) No Hearing Demanded . A proposed disposition issued pursuant to
subdivision (f)(ii) shall become final unless the court interpreter demands a hearing
within 30 days of the date it was issued.
(h) Hearing Demanded. If the court interpreter demands a hearing in a
timely manner, the hearing shall take place no less than 30 days nor more than 90
days from the date of notice pursuant to subdivision (f)(iii) or of the court
interpreter’s demand pursuant to subdivision (g).
(i) Legal Representation. The court interpreter may be represented by
an attorney at any stage of the proceeding. The court interpreter shall be
responsible for all of his or her costs and expenses, including attorneys fees.
RULE 14.420. DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
(a) Pre-Hearing Discovery. Pre-hearing discovery shall not be
permitted unless expressly authorized by the hearing panel, in response to a written
request.
(b) Rules of Evidence. Strict rules of evidence shall not apply. The
hearing panel may, in its discretion, consider any evidence presented, including
affidavits, giving such evidence the weight it deems appropriate.
(c) Hearings to be Reported or Electronically Recorded. The hearing
panel shall ensure that all hearings are reported or electronically recorded.
(d) Hearing Procedure . At the hearing, both the hearing panel and the
court interpreter shall be afforded the opportunity to introduce documents and
other relevant evidence, and to elicit sworn testimony.
(e) Hearing Panel Deliberations. Following the presentation of
evidence, the hearing panel shall deliberate regarding its decision. Such
deliberations shall take place in private.
(f) Finality of Decision; Rehearing. Unless the court interpreter files a
request for rehearing within 30 days of the date of the decision, the decision shall
become final without further action. If a timely request for rehearing is filed, the
decision shall not become final until the request has been disposed of by written
decision, a copy of which shall be sent to the court interpreter by certified United
States mail.
RULE 14.430. DISCIPLINARY DISPOSITIONS
(a) Burden of Proof. If the hearing panel finds that there is clear and
convincing evidence that the court interpreter has violated one or more of these
rules, it shall impose such discipline as it may deem appropriate, consistent with
these rules.
(b) Vote Required; Notification. All decisions of the hearing panel shall
be by majority vote, in writing and, if adverse to the court interpreter, shall contain
factual findings supporting the decision. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the
court interpreter by certified United States mail.
(c) Sanctions. Sanctions may consist of one or more of the following:
(1) a private reprimand;
(2) a public reprimand;
(3) the imposition of costs and expenses incurred by the hearing
panel in connection with the proceeding, including investigative costs;
(4) restitution;
(5) a requirement that specified continuing education courses
and/or additional law-related professional interpreting assignments be completed
within a specified period of time;
(6) a requirement that one or more parts of a court interpreter
examination be successfully taken or retaken;
(7) a limitation on the scope of practice or interpreting services;
(8) a requirement that work be supervised;
(9) suspension of registration or official state-level designation for
a period not to exceed 1 year; or
(10) revocation of registration or official state-level designation.
RULE 14.440. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DISCIPLINARY
PROCEEDINGS
All complaints alleging misconduct against individuals subject to
disciplinary action under these rules, including the interpreter’s response, if any,
and all other records made or received as part of the complaint procedure, are
exempt from public disclosure under rule 2.420(c)(3)(B), Florida Rules of Judicial
Administration, and shall remain confidential until a finding of probable cause or
no probable cause is established regardless of the outcome of any appeal.
RULE 14.450. REINSTATEMENT
A court interpreter whose registration or official state-level designation has
been suspended or revoked may, at any time, apply in writing for reinstatement.
Such request shall explain why the applicant believes that he or she should be
reinstated, and shall be accompanied by a renewal fee in an amount set by the
board. Such a request shall be granted when the board determines, based upon
relevant facts and circumstances, good cause exists warranting reinstatement. The
board may impose such reasonable conditions upon reinstatement as it deems
appropriate.
RULE 14.460. CHIEF JUSTICE REVIEW
Any interpreter found to have committed a violation of these rules shall have
a right of review by the chief justice, whose decision shall be final.