Legal Definitions - code of conduct

A code of conduct is a written set of rules that outlines the expected behavior of a particular group. This group could be lawyers, government employees, or corporate employees. The code of conduct serves as a guide for members of the group to follow in order to maintain ethical and professional standards.

• Lawyers: The American Bar Association has a code of conduct that outlines the ethical responsibilities of lawyers, including confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and providing competent representation.
• Government Employees: The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has a code of conduct that applies to all federal employees, including rules on gifts, outside employment, and impartiality.
• Corporate Employees: Many companies have their own code of conduct that employees must follow, which may include guidelines on workplace behavior, conflicts of interest, and use of company resources.

These examples illustrate how a code of conduct can apply to different groups and provide specific guidelines for behavior. By following a code of conduct, members of these groups can maintain trust and credibility with their clients, constituents, or colleagues.