In a legal context, privilege refers to a legal protection or immunity that exempts certain communications, documents, or information from disclosure or discovery in legal proceedings. Privilege is typically granted to promote certain important societal interests, such as preserving confidentiality, encouraging open communication, or safeguarding individual rights. Common types of privilege include attorney-client privilege, which protects confidential communications between attorneys and their clients from disclosure; doctor-patient privilege, which protects confidential communications between patients and their healthcare providers; and spousal privilege, which protects confidential communications between spouses. Privilege may also extend to other relationships or contexts, such as priest-penitent privilege, journalist-source privilege, or executive privilege. The rules governing privilege vary by jurisdiction and may be subject to exceptions or limitations. In legal proceedings, the party asserting privilege typically bears the burden of proving its applicability, and courts may balance competing interests when determining whether privilege applies in a particular case. Privilege is an important legal concept that serves to protect important interests and promote fairness and justice in legal proceedings.
Advantage gained by title, position, or relationship.
A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
- An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope.
- A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
- An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something).
- The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society.
- A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members.
- A stock market option.
- A common law doctrine that protects certain communications from being used as evidence in court.
- An ability to perform an action on the system that can be selectively granted or denied to users; permission.
- To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize; as, to privilege representatives from arrest.
- To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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