Florida Court Interpreter Rule 14.310
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.
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.