ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR INTERPRETERS

We abide by the judicial code of ethics set forth by

THE SUPREME COURT OF GEORGIA

Commission on Interpreters

SUPREME COURT OF GEORGIA

Commission on Interpreters

APPENDIX "C" - ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR INTERPRETERS

Requirements for Ethical Standards for Interpreters:

Rules of fair practice for Interpreters shall include acknowledging the need to refer a particular case to another Interpreter as a result of technical difficulties, cultural biases or personal interests.

Interpreters are permitted to advertise. Interpreters have an obligation to the integrity of the interpretation process. In that regard, all statements as to qualifications must be truthful. Interpreters may never claim that they will guarantee a specific result. It is important to the public perception of Interpreters that advertisements by Interpreters are not only accurate, clear, and truthful, but that they are in no way misleading.

Pending adoption of a Code of Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters by the Georgia Commission on Interpreters for Non-English Speakers the following shall be the interim Code of Professional Responsibility governing all court interpreters serving in Georgia’s Courts upon which discipline under these rules may be based.

Act strictly in the interest of the Court during proceedings before the Court and with fidelity to the non-English speaker for whom they are interpreting. Reflect proper court decorum and act with dignity and respect to the officials and staff of the court. Avoid professional or personal conduct, which could discredit the Court. Work unobtrusively so that attention is focused on the parties rather than the Interpreter. Accurately state their qualifications as a court Interpreter. Refuse any assignment for which they are not qualified or under conditions, which substantially impair their effectiveness. Disclose to the Court and parties in any prior involvement with a case, private involvement with the parties or with others significantly involved in the case. Interpret accurately and faithfully without indicating any personal bias, avoiding even the appearance of partiality. Preserve the level of language used and the ambiguities and nuances of the speaker without editing. Inform the judge or counsel if the non-English speaker cannot understand the language level and ask for simplification. Request clarification of ambiguous statements or unfamiliar vocabulary from the Judge or counsel. Promptly notify the Court of any error in their interpretation. Continually improve their skills and knowledge through such activities as professional training and education. Maintain impartiality by avoiding undue contact with witnesses, attorneys, interested parties, and jurors before, during and until the case is concluded. Never take advantage of knowledge obtained in the performance of official duties, for their own or another’s personal gain. Not disclose any information pertaining to court cases unless ordered otherwise by the Court. Inform the Presiding Judge should the interpreter feel harassed or intimidated by an officer of the Court. Immediately report to the Court any solicitations or efforts by another to induce or encourage the Interpreter to violate any law, standard, or any part of this Code of Professional Responsibility. Accept no money, gift or other benefit in excess of the authorized compensation for the performance of interpretation duties. Refrain from expressing personal opinion in a matter before the Court. Not give any kind of legal advice whether solicited or not. In all instances, the non-English speaker shall be referred to the Judge or counsel. Never act as an individual referral service for any attorney. If asked by a non-English speaker to refer the speaker to an attorney, an Interpreter shall direct such individual to the local bar association or to the indigent defense office. Agree to be bound by this Code. Violations of this Code may result in the Interpreter’s removal from the INTERPRETER REGISTRY maintained by the Commission on Interpreters, and willful violation may also result in other appropriate sanctions.

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