Which of the following statements best describes why the profession of certified public accountants has deemed it essential to promulgate a code of conduct and to establish a mechanism for enforcing observance of the code?

A. Ethical standards are established so that users of accounting services know what to expect, the professionals know what behaviors are acceptable, and overseers can take disciplinary action when appropriate.

B. A prerequisite to success is the establishment of an ethical code that stresses primarily the professional's responsibility to clients and colleagues.

C. A requirement of most state laws calls for the profession to establish a code of conduct.

D. An essential means of self-protection for the profession is the establishment of flexible ethical standards by the profession.