How does a professions code of ethics protect against lawsuits?

Question

It seems something that is obvious, but difficult to put into words....

Any eloquent people willing to help me here?

Thank You
Thank You
Thank You

Answer 1

A code of ethics or a code of standards define what is appropriate and correct behavior by members of a profession. Malpractice lawsuits require that a person show that the professional was negligent. Negligence in the malpractice sense is defined by the standards of the profession.

As such, if a court rules as it should, any expert in a malpractice case will be limited to giving an opinion as to whether the professional followed the written code of standards. If there is no code, the expert is a little bit freer to define what qualifies as the professional standard.

Of course, having a written code only protects a professional if he/she follows the standards. If they break those standards, having them makes a lawsuit easier.