Tennessee Spanish Interpreters
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Interpreter's Code of Ethics

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Rule 41. Rules of Ethics for Spoken Foreign Language Interpreters in Tennessee Courts.

Preamble

Many persons who come before the courts are partially or completely excluded from full participation in the proceedings due to limited English proficiency ( "LEP" ). It is essential that the resulting communication barrier be removed, as far as possible, so that these persons are placed in the same position as similarly situated persons for whom there is no such barrier.   As officers of the court, interpreters help assure that such persons may enjoy equal access to justice and that court proceedings and court support services function efficiently and effectively.   Interpreters are highly skilled professionals who fulfill an essential role in the administration of justice.

APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT

This code shall guide and be binding upon all persons, agencies and organizations who administer, supervise use, deliver, or attempt to become credentialed to deliver spoken foreign language interpreting services to the judicial system.   The Canons and any subparts are mandatory upon persons who are bound by this code.   The commentary is not mandatory and exists to provide guidance in interpreting the code.   Interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing are not covered by this code.   See Tenn. Code Ann. ' 24-1-211 regarding guidelines for such interpreters.

Violations of this code may result in the interpreter being removed from a case, being denied future appointments by the courts, losing credentials if the interpreter has been credentialed pursuant to the rules of the Supreme Court, or any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Administrative Director of the Courts.  

The Administrative Director of the Courts is authorized to adopt policies and procedures necessary to enforce the code.

TERMINOLOGY

(1)   Consecutive Interpretation--providing the target-language message after the speaker has finished speaking.

(2)   Sight Translation--oral translation of a written text.

(3)   Simultaneous Interpretation--providing the target-language message at approximately the same time the source-language message is being produced.

(4)   Source Language--the input language requiring interpretation.

(5)   Target Language--the output language into which the utterance is being interpreted.

For a complete view of this document please click on this link: http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/OPINIONS/TSC/RULES/TNRulesOfCourt/06SUPCT25_end.htm#41

Courtesy of the Administrative Offices of the Courts