An interpreter must be honest and trustworthy in all interactions with the court and all other participants and agencies involved in legal proceedings. For example, an interpreter must appear when scheduled to provide services, promptly report to an appropriate authority when a scheduling conflict arises, and accurately report time and expenses for interpreting services. An interpreter should avoid personal or professional conduct that could dishonor the interpreter, the court, or the legal system. For example, an interpreter must never take advantage of knowledge obtained in the performance of duties or through access to court records, facilities, or privileges for the interpreter’s or another person’s personal gain. An interpreter also should know and observe the established protocol, rules, and procedures for delivering interpreting services, and should dress in a manner that reflects the conventions of appropriate attire for professionals who appear in legal proceedings. When interpreting for an LEP witness and speaking in English, an interpreter should speak at a rate and volume that is audible and understandable throughout the courtroom. An interpreter should be as unobtrusive as possible and should not seek to attract inappropriate attention while performing the interpreter’s professional duties. This includes any time the interpreter is present but not actively interpreting. An interpreter should avoid obstructing the view of anyone involved in the proceedings, but should be appropriately positioned to facilitate communication. An interpreter who uses sign language or other visual modes of communication must be positioned so that signs, facial expressions, and whole body movements are visible to the person for whom the interpreter is interpreting. When necessary, the interpreter should be repositioned to accommodate visual access to exhibits. An interpreter should avoid personal or professional conduct that could dishonor the court. [Court Orders December 22, 2003, and April 26, 2004, effective November 1, 2004; February 14, 2008, effective April 1, 2008; December 4, 2014, effective July 1, 2015]
