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DECISION LATITUDE IN LEGAL INTERPRETING: THE CONTRIBUTION OF RELATIONAL AUTONOMY
(Language: English)
Instructor: Anna Witter-Merithew and Dr. Leilani Johnson
Professional autonomy is the right-in fact the ethical responsibility-of members of the interpreting profession to act according to shared standards of the profession. Professional autonomy implies the right to exercise professional judgment in the face of pressures from institutional authorities, disagreement with members of the legal profession, or other demands. However, adhering to this paradigm is challenging. Our autonomy is in fact relational as a result of the very social structures upon which it depends for its existence-legislative mandates, system-based policies and procedures, and a unique bond to the language communities we serve.

These factors create unique and complex conditions impacting our decision latitude. On one hand we are afforded the standing of 'officers of the court', and yet we often find ourselves at the center of serious social injustices imposed on language minorities confronting the legal system. How are we to reconcile these factors?

This presentation will focus on a framework for ethical decision-making that views interpreting through the lens of relational autonomy and delineates the conditions that enhance or restrict decision latitude of legal interpreters, and the consequences of each. This framework will assist practitioners in discussing their work and decision-making in a manner that can be understood, appreciated and valued by those within the legal system, leading to increased respect and professional standing for interpreters and enhanced ethical decision-making.

DEFINING SPECIALIST COMPETENCE AND BEST PRACTICES FOR AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS WORKING IN THE LEGAL SETTING
(Language: English)
Instructors: Anna Witter Merithew and Carla Mathers
A national project was undertaken to define the competencies and best practices of American Sign Language (ASL)-English interpreters working in the legal setting. The project was funded through federal grant funds. This presentation will focus on the process of 1) distinguishing generalist from specialist competence, 2) defining standard, best and effective practice of ASL interpreters in the legal setting, and 3) strategies for building consensus around both standards of competence and best practice within the field of ASL-English interpreter practitioners and educators. The lessons learned from this national project are widely applicable to both sign and spoken language interpreters and educators. Of particular interest are the findings from a series of focus groups and a national survey that indicate disconnect between what practitioners believe is best practice and what they actually apply in their day-to-day work. The factors impacting this disconnect include philosophical perspectives on decision latitude of interpreters, system constraints, and a lack of mastery of specific competencies. The implications of these findings for both practice and education of interpreters to work in the legal setting will be discussed.