The code of ethics was a result of a 1993 meeting in New York City between the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians with the intention of elevating the art of magic, promoting harmony among magicians and the prevention of exposure of magical effects to the public. The document was ratified and signed in May of that year by International Brotherhood of Magicians President Obie O'Brien and Society of American Magicians President George Schindler.
Magicians must agree to oppose the willful exposure of the secrets of magic or illusions to the public. Magicians must display ethical behavior when dealing with other magicians, either through personal intervention or unauthorized use of another's work.
Magicians must agree to respect the rights of authors, creators and inventors and must first obtain permission before using their tricks. The Society of American Magicians discourages the use of false or misleading statements in the advertising of magical arts. The code of ethics discourages the advertisement of any magical apparatus for which the advertiser does not have legal rights.
The code of ethics promotes the humane treatment and care of animals used in performances and insists that its members take the utmost care of their animals.
In addition to the code of ethics, members to a professional magician society must swear an oath and follow a constitution and bylaws. The code of ethics is recognized by magician associations all over the world.