RULES, CODE'S OF ETHICS  OATHS, AND WHO REGULATES INTERPRETERS

Rules

 

The Court Interpreters Act USC        
Interpreters should be familiar with the Civil and Criminal Codes (Rules of Procedure) that apply to them:

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code; Chapter 21, Subchapter A (Deaf Interpreters)
B (Spanish Language Interpreters in certain Border Counties) C (Interpreters For County Courts At Law, Duties, Appointment, Termination Oath) D (Interpreter’s Fee)

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

Chapter 38 Evidence in Criminal Actions

Interpreter’s Code’s of Ethics

Codes of ethics have proven to be critical for the understanding and adherence of the oath given to the judicial interpreter.  They serve to protect both the interpreter and the recipients of the service rendered by an interpreter.  They safeguard the principles of the judicial system.
In Texas, licensed court interpreters are bound to the LCI Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Licensed Court Interpreters Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Canons : The Accuracy And Completeness, Representation Of Qualifications, Impartiality And Avoidance Of Conflicts Of Interest., Professional Demeanor., Confidentiality, Scope Of Practice., Assessing And Reporting Impediments To Performance, Duty To Report Ethical Violations., Professional Development And  Professional Development

The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators has a Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities. 

For Conference Interpreters

 

Code of Professional Ethics

Professional Standards  

Who Regulates Judicial Interpreters?

In Texas, licensed court interpreters are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.  (TDLR)

Administrative Rules for Texas Court Interpreters

Federal Court Interpreters are certified by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts

Through the Federal Court Interpreter Program

 

Interpreter’s Oaths

 

The interpreter’s oath symbolizes our dedication to providing this service with integrity.  It is a pledge that binds us to professional responsibility and neutrality which protects the sanctity of the testimony.  The court reporter, who is an officer of the court, administers the oath to the interpreter first before administering the oath to the witness through the interpreter.  The Interpreters oath that is standard among court reporters in Texas is as follows:

Uniform Format Manual Court Reporters Certification Board    

 

OATH TO THE INTERPRETER

COURT REPORTER: "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the interpretation you will give in this deposition will be from English to Spanish/Vietnamese/etc. and from Spanish/Vietnamese/etc. to English to the best of your ability?"
INTERPRETER: "I do."

      

Here are other versions from around the United States that demonstrate a wide range of duties and responsibilities accurately reflecting the true skill and training of a qualified interpreter:

 

Judges’ Guide to Standards for Interpreted Proceedings

Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will interpret accurately, completely and impartially, using your best skill and judgment in accordance with the standards prescribed by law and [the code of ethics for legal interpreters]*; follow all official guidelines established by this court for legal interpreting or translating, and discharge all of the solemn duties and obligations of legal interpretation and translation?

Interpreter Oath - Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 42, §4(b)

 

Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will interpret accurately, completely and impartially, using your best skill and judgment in accordance with the standards prescribed by law and the Rules of Ethics for Spoken Foreign Language Interpreters in Tennessee Courts; that you will follow all official guidelines established by this court for legal interpreting or translating, and discharge all of the solemn duties and obligations of legal interpretation and translation?

The Courtroom Interpreter: A User’s Guide and Checklist
Adapted from an article by Judge Lynn W. Davis, Utah Bar Journal 9 (February 1996):26.

The court should make a preliminary determination on the basis of the interpreter’s testimony that the interpreter is qualified and then have the following oath administered:
“Do you solemnly swear that you will well and truly and to the best of your ability discharge the duties of interpreter and translate from English into _________, and from ________ into English such questions and answers as shall be put to the witness and received from the witness in the case now pending before the Court, so help you God?”

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA
IN RE: STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CIVIL CASES (NO. 05-1), CASE NO.  SC05-1999 PROPOSAL A-1 (Oath to Interpreter):

Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will make a true interpretation to the witness of all questions or statements made to [him][her] in a language which that person understands, and interpret the witness's statements into the English language, to the best of your abilities, So Help You God?

Supreme Court of Nebraska
I, do solemnly affirm that I will be bound by the Nebraska Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the performance of my duties and assignment as a Court Interpreter in the Nebraska State Court System.
I will maintain high standards of conduct to preserve the integrity, independence, and neutrality of the adjudicative system.
I will conduct myself in a manner consistent with the dignity of the Court.
I will remain impartial, protect confidentiality, refrain from giving legal advice or personal opinions, and disclose to the Court any conflict of interest.
In all legal proceedings, I will thoroughly assess and honestly reveal to the Court my ability to satisfy an assignment competently.
When appointed to serve, I will interpret completely and accurately using my best skill and judgment.
I will continually strive to improve my skills and knowledge as a Court Interpreter and to elevate the standards of the profession.
I will respect the Courts of Nebraska, its judicial officers, and all parties involved in legal proceedings.

State Court Interpretation programs listed by state