Very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the quasar 4C 71.0
7 (0836+710) at frequencies of 5 and 8.4 GHz at two epochs are used to inve
stigate apparent misalignments between the magnetic field and jet direction
found in this source. The observed polarization angles are not consistent
with Faraday rotation of synchrotron radiation from an aligned magnetic fie
ld. Internal Faraday rotation in a uniform spherical source is also ruled o
ut by the observations, and while the misalignments could result from inter
nal Faraday rotation in a non-uniform source, no strong signatures of this
effect were found. The jet shows two distinct kinks at which the ridge-line
changes direction and then reverts to its original direction. The magnetic
field in these regions is parallel to the jet, and remains so as the jet b
ends. It seems likely that the largest remaining misalignment is associated
with another such kink that is unresolved by these observations. The perce
ntage polarization decreases near the bright knots, consistent with enhance
ment in brightness by compressions in the plane normal to the jet axis. The
inferred rotation measure is low (less than or equal to 100 rad m(-2)) thr
oughout the jet, as for other quasars. However near the core, the polarizat
ion position angles suggest a rotation measure that appears to be uncharact
eristically low by comparison with other quasars.