Tenn. R. Sup. Ct., canon 12

As amended through November 4, 2024

Canon 12 - Pro Bono Publico Service

Interpreters should aspire to render a reasonable amount of pro bono publico interpretive services per year. In fulfilling this responsibility, interpreters should:

(a) provide a substantial portion of such services without fee or expectation of fee to persons of limited means; or

(b) provide interpretive services at a substantially reduced fee to persons of limited means.

Tenn. R. Sup. Ct., canon 12

Adopted by order filed April 25, 2002; amended by order filed April 27, 2005; and amended by order filed December 16, 2011, effective 7/1/2012.

Commentary.

Personal involvement in the problems of the disadvantaged can be a rewarding experience in the life of an interpreter. This Canon urges all interpreters to provide a reasonable number of hours of pro bono service annually.

Under paragraph (a), service must be provided without fee or expectation of fee. The intent of the interpreter to render free services is essential for the work performed to fall within the meaning of paragraph (a); accordingly, services rendered cannot be considered pro bono if an anticipated fee is uncollected. Paragraph (b) permits the pro bono interpreter to accept a substantially reduced fee for services to persons of limited means; again, however, the intent of the interpreter to render reduced-fee services is essential for the work performed to fall within the meaning of paragraph (b); accordingly, services rendered cannot be considered pro bono if an anticipated fee is uncollected.

Because this Canon states an aspiration rather than a mandatory ethical duty, it is not intended to be enforced through disciplinary process.