Constitution and Bylaws
Constitution GO TO BYLAWS
Article IV. CODE OF ETHICS
Section 1. General Principles
(a) Geology is a profession, and the privilege of professional practice requires professional morality and professional responsibility.
(b) Honesty, integrity, loyalty, fairness, impartiality, candor, fidelity to trust, and inviolability of confidence are incumbent upon every member as professional obligations.
(c) Each member shall be guided by high standards of business ethics, personal honor, and professional conduct. The word "member" as used throughout this code includes all classes of membership.
Section 2. Relation of Members to the Public
(a) Members shall not make false, misleading, or unwarranted statements, representations or claims in regard to professional matters, nor shall they engage in false or deceptive advertising
(b) Members shall not permit the publication or use of their reports or maps for any unsound or illegitimate undertakings.
(c) Members shall not give professional opinions, make reports or give legal testimony without being as thoroughly informed as reasonably required.
Section 3. Relation of Members to Employers and Clients
(a) Members shall disclose to prospective employers or clients the existence of any pertinent competitive or conflicting interests.
(b) Members shall not use or divulge any employer's or client's confidential information without their permission and shall avoid conflicts of interest that may arise from information gained during geological investigations.
Section 4. Relation of Members to One Another
(a) Members shall not falsely or maliciously attempt to injure the reputation or business of others.
(b) Members shall freely recognize the work done by others, avoid plagiarism, and avoid the acceptance of credit due others.
(c) Members shall endeavor to cooperate with others in the profession and shall encourage the ethical dissemination of geological knowledge.
Section 5. Duty to the Association
(a) Members of the Association shall aid in preventing the election to membership of those who are unqualified or do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Ethics.
(b) By applying for or continuing membership in the Association each member agrees to uphold the ethical standards set forth in this Code of Ethics.
(c) Members shall not use AAPG membership to imply endorsement, recommendation, or approval by the Association of specific projects or proposals.
Section 6. Discipline for Violations of Standards
Members violating any standard prescribed in this Article shall be subject to discipline as provided by the Bylaws.