---
title: "Privilege"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/privilege
---

# Privilege

An evidentiary privilege is a rule that protects certain confidential communications from compelled disclosure in legal proceedings. Privileges serve policies external to the truth-seeking function of litigation, such as fostering open communication in important relationships. The most well-established privileges include attorney-client privilege, spousal privilege (both testimonial and communications), doctor-patient privilege, clergy-penitent privilege, and the psychotherapist-patient privilege. Privileges are narrowly construed because they exclude relevant evidence.

## Related Terms

- attorney-client-privilege
- work-product-doctrine
- hearsay

## Related Cases

- jaffee-v-redmond

## Example

A therapist cannot be compelled to testify about a patient's confidential statements made during therapy sessions, due to the psychotherapist-patient privilege.

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Source: [Privilege — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/privilege)