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.