Rule Canon 7 Scope of Practice

Since an interpreter is responsible only for enabling others to communicate, the interpreter should limit the interpreter’s conduct to interpreting or translating. An interpreter, however, may initiate communications during a proceeding if direction from the court is necessary to perform the interpreter’s duties. Examples of such circumstances include: seeking direction from the court when unable to understand or express a word or thought; requesting speakers to adjust their rate of speech or to repeat or rephrase something; correcting the interpreter’s errors; or notifying the court of concerns about the interpreter’s ability to fulfill an assignment competently. In such instances, the interpreter must make it clear the interpreter is speaking on his or her own behalf. 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 or contents of forms or services, or otherwise act as a counselor or an advisor, unless the interpreter is interpreting for someone who is acting in that official capacity. An interpreter may interpret or translate language on a form or instructions for the form for an LEP person who is filling out the form. However, the interpreter must not explain the form or answer questions about it, although an interpreter may interpret for a court official who is authorized to answer questions about a court form. In general, an interpreter should not perform functions that are the responsibility of attorneys or court officials. [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]