The Colorado Judicial Department Code of
Professional Responsibility for Court Interpreters
Canon 1: Accuracy and Completeness
Interpreters shall render a complete and
accurate interpretation or sight translation,
without altering, omitting, or adding anything
to what is stated or written, and without
explanation.
Canon 2: Representation of Qualifications
Interpreters shall accurately and completely
represent their certifications, training, and
pertinent experience.
Canon 3: Impartiality and Avoidance of Conflict
of Interest
Interpreters shall be impartial, unbiased and
shall refrain from conduct that may give an
appearance of bias. Interpreters shall disclose
any real or perceived conflict of interest.
Canon 4: Professional Demeanor
Interpreters shall conduct themselves in a
manner consistent with the dignity of the court
and shall be as unobtrusive as possible.
Canon 5: Confidentiality
Interpreters shall keep confidential all matters
interpreted and all conversations overheard
between counsel and client. Interpreters should
not discuss a case pending before the court.
Canon 6: Restriction of Public Comment
Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report,
or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which
they are or have been engaged, even when that
information is not privileged or required by law
to be confidential.
Canon 7: Scope of Practice
Interpreters shall limit themselves to
interpreting and translating, and shall not give
legal advice, express personal opinions to
individuals for whom they are interpreting, or
engage in any other activities which may be
construed to constitute a service other than
interpreting or translating while serving as an
interpreter.
Canon 8: Assessing and Reporting Impediments to
Performance
Interpreters shall assess at all times their
ability to deliver their services. When
interpreters have any reservation about their
ability to satisfy an assignment competently,
they shall immediately convey that reservation
to the appropriate judicial authority.
Canon 9: Duty to Report Ethical Violations
Interpreters shall report to the proper judicial
authority any effort to impede their compliance
with any law, any provision of this code, or any
other official policy governing court
interpreting and legal translating.
Canon 10: Professional Development
Interpreters shall continually improve their
skills and knowledge, and advance the profession
through activities such as professional training
and education, and interaction with colleagues
and specialists in related field.
