Professional Ethics & Compliance Flashcards

A CCM is retained by a law firm to testify as an expert witness but later discovers the opposing counsel is offering significantly higher pay. What is the ethical course of action?

Answer: Remain with the original client and maintain impartiality in testimony

Expert witnesses must remain impartial and loyal to the retaining party; switching sides for higher pay constitutes a serious ethical breach.

Under the AMS Code of Professional Ethics, which action best demonstrates 'service to the public interest'?

Answer: Providing accurate, unbiased weather information even when it conflicts with client expectations

Service to the public interest requires CCMs to provide honest, scientifically sound information regardless of client preferences.

A CCM discovers a colleague has submitted a weather analysis report that includes fabricated data. The most appropriate first step is to:

Answer: Confront the colleague privately and urge them to correct the report

The AMS ethics process encourages direct communication with the colleague first before escalating to formal complaints.

When a CCM's written contract with a client is silent on ownership of data and reports, who typically retains intellectual property rights to the meteorological analysis?

Answer: The CCM retains rights unless the contract explicitly transfers them

In the absence of a work-for-hire clause or IP transfer language, the creator (CCM) typically retains rights under US copyright law.

Which of the following represents an improper contingency fee arrangement for a CCM providing expert witness services?

Answer: A fee that increases if the client wins the case

Contingency fees tied to case outcomes compromise expert impartiality and are prohibited under professional ethics standards for expert witnesses.

A CCM is asked by a client to provide a forecast that downplays the severity of an approaching severe weather event to avoid disrupting a planned outdoor event. The CCM should:

Answer: Issue the forecast as scientifically determined, regardless of client preference

CCMs are obligated to provide scientifically accurate forecasts; deliberately downplaying hazards violates both professional ethics and public safety obligations.

The AMS Board on Professional Ethics (BOPE) investigates a complaint against a CCM. During the investigation, the CCM's primary obligation is to:

Answer: Cooperate fully and provide truthful information to the BOPE

Professional ethics codes require members under investigation to cooperate honestly with the investigatory body.