Professionals subject to a code of ethics may face disciplinary complaints. If they violate the rules governing their practice, their disciplinary council can impose penalties ranging from a warning or fine to suspension and revocation of their licence.
When a professional is found guilty of misconduct, it is common for victims to seek compensation in civil court, since the purpose of disciplinary law is to protect the public rather than to compensate victims. Indeed, in certain circumstances, a breach of professional ethics may also constitute a civil fault.
This raises the following question: can a disciplinary decision influence the outcome of a civil proceeding?
Distinction between professional misconduct and civil fault
