The legal environment of the accounting profession

Abstract

Within the context of the general trend toward expanding legal liability which permeates our society, the accounting profession has certainly not escaped unscathed. The days when professions were largely autonomous, self-regulated and immune from significant external legal influences are over, and some legal commentators interpret this change as a threat to the accounting profession. While the profession has strengthened its standards and is considering even more rigorous educational requirements, the liability explosion and the increasing disciplinary activity of administrative agencies such as the Securities Exchange Commission have created an environment which necessitates an assessment of the law's treatment of accountants.