The following code is taken from Court Interpretation: Model Guides for Policy and Practice in the State Courts, by William E. Hewitt and staff, State Justice Institute. Publication Number: R-167 ISBN:0-89656-146-1
There are currently eight states which have adopted these canons (or slight variations thereof). They are: Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Utah and (sorry, I can't remember the last onehttp://theinterpretersfriend.com.it might be Virginia) Additionally, California is currently discussing the possibility of modifying its code to include all ten of these canons. There is a commentary following each of the canons in the Model Guides book which explains each of them more completely.
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 certification, training, and pertinent experience.
Canon 3: IMPARTIALITY AND AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Interpreters shall be impartial and 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 protect the confidentiality of all privileged and other confidential information.
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 or 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 fields.
