In the past, society chose to give special recognition and unique privileges to the members of the traditional professions -- law, medicine, and ministry. In return, professionals recognized that they had a fiduciary responsibility to individuals and to society and developed their own ethical standards. In recent years, political, economic and social forces have converged which have caused society to re-examine the status of the professions. Levels of trust have eroded and society often questions the motivation of professional persons and the ability of the professions to develop their own ethical standards.