Which statement about ethics codes is accurate?

• A. They are legal mandates.
• B. They are guidelines, not dogma.
• C. They are optional.
• D. They override all personal judgment.

Answer: (B)

Ethics codes function as guiding standards for professional conduct rather than rigid, unchangeable rules. They lay out expectations for how counselors work with clients—such as protecting confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and practicing competently—and they provide a framework for solving ethical dilemmas. They are not legal statutes in themselves, though compliance is typically required for licensure and violations can lead to sanctions. Because real-world cases often involve competing values and unique circumstances, these codes encourage professional judgment and thoughtful decision-making rather than dogmatic application. So, they are best viewed as flexible guidelines that shape responsible practice, not as absolute mandates that override all personal judgment.