Code. Prof. Cond. Ct. Inter. & Trans. Canon 8
An interpreter must assess at all times the interpreter's ability to competently and ethically deliver interpreting services. When an interpreter has any concern about the interpreter's ability to competently and ethically provide services or about interference with or impediments to providing competent and ethical services, the interpreter must immediately report that concern to an appropriate authority.
Code. Prof. Cond. Ct. Inter. & Trans. Canon 8
Comment to Canon 8
Impediments to competent performance
If the communication mode or language variety of the LEP person cannot be readily interpreted, the interpreter should notify the appropriate authority, such as a judicial officer, an attorney, or another person with authority over the proceeding.
An interpreter should notify the appropriate authority of any circumstances (e.g., environmental conditions or physical limitations) that impede the ability to deliver interpreting services adequately. For example, these circumstances may include that the courtroom is not sufficiently quiet for the interpreter to hear or be heard by the LEP person, more than one person is speaking at the same time, or a person is speaking too quickly for the interpreter to accurately interpret. A sign language interpreter must ensure that the interpreter can both see and convey the full range of visual language elements that are necessary for communication, including facial expressions and body movements, as well as hand gestures. A sign language interpreter must also ensure that the LEP person can see the interpreter clearly.
An interpreter should notify the judicial officer or other appropriate authority of the need to take periodic breaks in order to maintain mental and physical alertness and prevent interpreter fatigue. An interpreter should inform the judicial officer when the use of team interpreting is necessary.
Even a competent and experienced interpreter may encounter situations where routine proceedings unexpectedly involve slang, idiomatic expressions, regional dialect, or technical or specialized terminology unfamiliar to the interpreter. When such situations occur, the interpreter should request a brief recess in order to become familiar with the subject matter. If familiarity with the terminology requires extensive time or more intensive research, the interpreter should inform the judicial officer, or if the legal proceeding is outside of court, the interpreter should inform all attorneys involved in the proceeding.
An interpreter should refrain from accepting a case that has language or subject matter that is likely to exceed the interpreter's capabilities. An interpreter should also notify the judicial officer or other appropriate authority if the interpreter is unable to perform adequately for any reason.
Impediments to ethical performance
Some users of interpreting services might ask or expect the interpreter to engage in activities that are contrary to provisions in the Code of Conduct or other law, rules, or policies governing court interpreters. In this situation, an interpreter should explain the interpreter's professional obligations. If the person continues to ask or demands that the interpreter engage in such activities, the interpreter should promptly request assistance from a judicial officer or other appropriate authority to resolve the matter.