What is described as a situation where personal interests may conflict with professional duties?

The term that refers to a situation where personal interests may conflict with professional duties is a "Conflict of Interest." This concept is crucial in many professions, including the legal field, where maintaining objectivity and impartiality is vital. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests—such as financial gain, family ties, or loyalty to friends—could compromise their ability to perform their professional responsibilities fairly or effectively.

For example, if a process server has a personal relationship with someone involved in a case, their ability to serve that individual equitably may be compromised, raising ethical concerns. Recognizing and managing conflicts of interest is essential for professionals to uphold integrity and public trust in their roles.

The other options do not encompass this specific situation as effectively. "Dual Responsibilities" refers to the challenges of balancing multiple roles, "Professional Boundaries" focuses on maintaining appropriate boundaries in professional relationships, and "Ethical Dilemma" entails a broader situation where one must make a difficult choice between two ethical principles, which may not necessarily involve conflicting personal interests.