privilege
In the law of evidence, certain communications are considered privileged, and are protected from disclosure. Privileged information is not subject to discovery and cannot be the subject of testimony. These privileges exist not to prevent inaccurate information, but to promote important public policy interests, such as encouraging full and frank communication within certain relationships.
Common examples include the privilege against self-incrimination, the spousal communications privilege, and the attorney-client privilege.
[Last reviewed in July of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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