privileged communication
Privileged communication refers to confidential exchanges that legally cannot be made public without the communicator's consent, except in rare circumstances. Common examples of privileged communication are between a client and attorney, also known as attorney-client privilege, or between a patient and their doctor. Privileged communications cannot be shared with anyone outside of the people directly involved in the communication, including in court because the recipient cannot be compelled to divulge confidential information or give testimony. Privileged communication is intended to allow the communicator and recipient to maintain trust and honesty within their relationship.
[Last reviewed in May of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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