Judge, I Am Going To Interpret Everything You Say

As a criminal lawyer that speaks Spanish I am frequently asked to interpret for the courts. I have a rule that I will interpret for my clients and if the court needs some help with a defendant that is not represented by an attorney. I draw the line when a lawyer is representing someone that does not speak English and the attorney does not speak Spanish. Recently, I was caught in an uncomfortable position with a judge that will remain nameless. This judge is fair minded, highly thought of by the criminal defense bar, and not mean spirited. Nevertheless, while translating the judge made some "off the cuff" remarks that could be perceived as offensive to any individual. I guess the court was not expecting me to translate their remarks because I was quickly asked to refrain from translating the distateful comments. I dutifully translated everything that pertained to the person despite the court's objections. The judge and I had a word after the translation where it was agreed that the court will think twice before making any unsavoury comments and assuming that they will not be translated.