Editorial: Implementing the code of ethics

At its June 18, 1977 meeting, USAB approved a pair of draft proposals for setting up machinery to implement the IEEE Code of Ethics. These two documents, which are reprinted below, propose procedures to: (1) provide IEEE assistance to engineers who are placed in jeopardy as a consequence of their adherence to the IEEE Code of Ethics, and (2) take appropriate action against IEEE members who violate the Code of Ethics. The Proposed Procedures were submitted to the IEEE Board of Directors, which has placed them on the agenda of its Nov. 1977 meeting. Meanwhile, the drafts are being revised, mainly to make their language appropriate for inclusion into the IEEE Bylaws. At present, the Bylaws contain no provision whatsoever to assist engineers placed in jeopardy as a consequence of adherence to the Code of Ethics, and the provision for dealing with infractions of the Code by members is inadequate.