Professional courtesy
Etiquette between members of the same profession / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Professional courtesy generally refers to the etiquette extended between members of the same profession. The concept of professional courtesy is believed to have originated within the ancient practice of medicine whereby physicians provided services to other physicians without charge. However, the philosophy does not necessarily involve the same courtesy across all professions, nor is professional courtesy a mandated privilege, but is freely given at the discretion of the party extending the courtesy.[1]
While the etiquette is not limited to physicians, the medical profession is likely the oldest and best-known one for having such a longstanding practice among its members. Some other well-known groups that have some form of professional courtesy are attorneys, performing artists, and law enforcement officers.
Within the law enforcement community, the term is used as a euphemism for criminal corruption and racketeering within police departments.[2]
The phrase may also describe the ethical conduct of lawyers towards each other.[3] A well-known American joke, versions of which date to the 1870s, revolves around sharks or wolves extending (or not extending) "professional courtesy" to lawyers.[4]