Auditors provide "reasonable assurance" that the financial statements are "fairly stated, in all material respects." Questions are often raised as to the responsibility of the auditor to detect material misstatements, including misappropriation of assets and fraudulent financial reporting.

a. Discuss the concept of "reasonable assurance" and the degree of confidence that financial statement users should have in the financial statements.

b. What are the responsibilities of the independent auditor in the audit of financial statements? Discuss fully, however, do not include fraud in the discussion.

c. What are the responsibilities of the independent auditor for the detection of fraud involving the misappropriation of assets and fraudulent financial reporting? Discuss fully, including your assessment of whether the auditor's responsibility for the detection of fraud is appropriate.