Individuals in a particular profession. These ethics are based on the values of the profession and are intended to ensure that the professionals adhere to a standard of behaviour that is considered acceptable within their field. The question of whether professional ethics are a choice, or a need is a complex one, and it requires an understanding of the nature of professional ethics, the reasons for their existence, and the consequences of violating them.

Professional ethics are a need for several reasons. One reason is that they serve as a means of ensuring that professionals are held accountable for their actions. Professionals have a certain level of expertise in their field, and they are expected to use this expertise to provide services that are in the best interest of their clients or patients. Professional ethics provide a framework for ensuring that professionals remain accountable for their actions and that they are held responsible for any wrongdoing.

Another reason why professional ethics are a need is that they provide a means of maintaining public trust in a profession. Professionals are often entrusted with important responsibilities that can have a significant impact on the lives of their clients or patients. The public expects that professionals will act with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to their clients or patients' well-being. Professional ethics provide a means of ensuring that professionals meet these expectations and that they are held accountable if they fail to do so.

Professional ethics are also a need because they provide a means of promoting the common good. Professions are often organized around a shared set of values and beliefs. These values and beliefs are intended to promote the common good by ensuring that professionals act in ways that are consistent with the interests of their clients or patients. Professional ethics provide a means of promoting these shared values and beliefs and ensuring that professionals act in ways that are consistent with them.

Despite the clear need for professional ethics, some might argue that they are a choice. This argument is based on the idea that professionals should be free to act in accordance with their personal values and beliefs. However, this argument overlooks the fact that professions are organized around a set of shared values and beliefs. These values and beliefs are intended to ensure that professionals act in ways that are consistent with the interests of their clients or patients. Professionals who choose to ignore these values and beliefs are not acting in the best interest of their clients or patients and are therefore not fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

The consequences of violating professional ethics can be significant. Violations can result in disciplinary action, loss of licensure, and even criminal charges. In addition to these legal consequences, violations of professional ethics can also result in harm to clients or patients. Professionals who fail to adhere to professional ethics can put their clients or patients at risk and damage the public's trust in their profession.

One example of the consequences of violating professional ethics can be seen in the case of Dr. Conrad Murray. Dr. Murray was the personal physician of pop star Michael Jackson, and he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. Dr. Murray had violated several professional ethics, including the duty to maintain patient confidentiality and the duty to provide appropriate medical care. As a result of his actions, Dr. Murray lost his medical license and was sentenced to four years in prison.

In conclusion, professional ethics are a need rather than a choice. They provide a means of ensuring that professionals remain accountable for their actions, maintaining public trust in a profession, and promoting the common good. Violating professional ethics can have significant consequences, including disciplinary action, loss of licensure, and harm to clients or patients. Professionals who adhere to professional ethics are fulfilling their responsibilities to their clients or patients and to their profession.