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.