Rule 2.890. Professional conduct for interpreters

(a) Representation of qualifications An interpreter must accurately and completely represent his or her certifications, training, and relevant experience.

(b) Complete and accurate interpretation An interpreter must use his or her best skills and judgment to interpret accurately without embellishing, omitting, or editing. When interpreting for a party, the interpreter must interpret everything that is said during the entire proceedings. When interpreting for a witness, the interpreter must interpret everything that is said during the witness’s testimony.

(c) Impartiality and avoidance of conflicts of interest

(1) Impartiality

(2) Disclosure of conflicts

(3) Conduct

(4) Statements

(d) Confidentiality of privileged communications An interpreter must not disclose privileged communications between counsel and client to any person.

(e) Giving legal advice An interpreter must not give legal advice to parties and witnesses, nor recommend specific attorneys or law firms.

(f) Impartial professional relationships An interpreter must maintain an impartial, professional relationship with all court officers, attorneys, jurors, parties, and witnesses.

(g) Continuing education and duty to the profession An interpreter must, through continuing education, maintain and improve his or her interpreting skills and knowledge of procedures used by the courts. An interpreter should seek to elevate the standards of performance of the interpreting profession.

(h) Assessing and reporting impediments to performance An interpreter must assess at all times his or her ability to perform interpreting services. If an interpreter has any reservation about his or her ability to satisfy an assignment competently, the interpreter must immediately disclose that reservation to the court or other appropriate authority.

(i) Duty to report ethical violations An interpreter must report to the court or other appropriate authority any effort to impede the interpreter’s compliance with the law, this rule, or any other official policy governing court interpreting and legal translating.

Committee Notes

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (e) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (f) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (g) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (h) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(Subd (i) amended effective January 1, 2007.)