In the context of professional ethics, what is a canon?

In the context of professional ethics, a canon refers to a system of nonstatutory, nonmandatory codes of personal conduct that outlines the ethical principles and standards professionals should follow. Canons serve as foundational guidelines that help practitioners navigate ethical dilemmas and make principled decisions in their professional conduct. They embody the core values of the profession and provide a framework for behavior, although they are not legally binding nor enforced by external authorities like laws or regulations.

This distinction highlights the importance of personal integrity and professional responsibility, encouraging practitioners to adhere to the principles even in the absence of legal compulsion. By doing so, professionals uphold the reputation of their field and contribute to the trust placed in them by the public and their peers. This aspect emphasizes the ethical dimension that goes beyond mere compliance with laws or regulatory requirements.