Jade C. answered • 04/19/19
Lawyer and Former Teacher
The attorney-client privilege is a right recognized by the common law which provides that any communication between an attorney and his client must be kept confidential and is only subject to disclosure or waiver by the client or the attorney, in certain circumstances. The privilege may support an objection to the use of any evidence or testimony that reflects such a communication in a trial or judicial proceeding. The goal of the privilege is to preserve the sanctity of the attorney-client relationship and to allow a client to speak freely with her attorney about any issue relevant to her claims, defenses, or legal concerns and be sure that such communication can never be used against her in court. The law values the free and open exchange of information between a client and his attorney as a fundamental part of helping a client advocate for himself or protect his interests. Most states have codified the privilege, or incorporated it into a statute, and have recognized specific and very limited exceptions, such as when the communication is used in furtherance of a crime or fraud against a third party
