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.
