Iowa Ct. R. ch. 48, 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.

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.