What Constitutes an Act Discreditable to the Profession? A Philosophical Look at a Practical Ethical Question

Abstract

Rule 501 of the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct prohibits acts that are discreditable to the profession. A few examples are given but the Rule is basically open-ended. Supposedly aimed at protecting the public interest, the Rule can be quite self-serving. Rather than protecting the public, application of the Rule can be used to protect the profession, perhaps at the expense of the general public or at the expense of individual rights. The author suggests that the Rule be repealed.