INTERPRETER CODE OF CONDUCT

Rule 1. Accuracy
The client’s speech should be faithfully rendered into the target language by conserving all the elements of the original message. The rendition should sound natural in the target language, and there should be no distortion of the original message through addition or omission, explanation or paraphrasing. All false starts and repetitions should be conveyed; also, English words mixed into the other language should be retained. Culturally-bound terms which have no direct equivalent in English, or which may have more than one meaning should be explained to the lawyer. Guessing should be avoided. interpreters who do not hear or understand what a speaker has said should seek clarification.

Rule 2. Impartiality and Conflicts of Interest
Interpreters and translators are to remain impartial and neutral in consultations and conversations where they serve, and must maintain the appearance of impartiality and neutrality, avoiding unnecessary contact with the parties. Interpreters and translators shall abstain from comment on matters in which they serve. Any real or potential conflict of interest shall be immediately disclosed to the lead lawyer and all parties as soon as the interpreter or translator becomes aware of such conflict of interest.

Rule 3. Confidentiality
Privileged or confidential information acquired in the course of interpreting or preparing a translation shall not be disclosed by the interpreter without authorization.

Rule 4. Limitations of Practice
Interpreters and translators shall limit their participation in those matters in which they serve to interpreting and translating, and shall not give advice to the parties or otherwise engage in activities that can be construed as the practice of law.

Rule 5. Protocol and Demeanor
Interpreters shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the standards and protocol of ASsIST’s Induction Manual and Code of Conduct and shall perform their duties as discreetly as possible. Interpreters are to use the same grammatical person as the speaker. When it becomes necessary to assume a primary role in the communication, they must make it clear that they are speaking for themselves.

Rule 6. Maintenance and Improvement of Skills and Knowledge
Interpreters and translators shall strive to maintain and improve their interpreting and translation skills and knowledge. Resources for self-study, on-line courses and training workshop opportunities are available for this purpose.

Rule 7. Accurate Representation of Credentials
Interpreters and translators shall accurately represent their training and pertinent experience.

Rule 8. Impediments to Compliance
Interpreters and translators shall bring to the attention of an ASsIST Board member or a lead lawyer any circumstance or condition that impedes full compliance with any Rule of this Code, including interpreter fatigue, inability to hear, or inadequate knowledge of specialized terminology, and must decline assignments under conditions that make such compliance patently impossible.