The communication between parties in a confidential relationship that is protected by statute. A spouse, doctor, lawyer, pastor, psychologist, or psychiatrist cannot be forced, except under unusual circumstances, to disclose such information.
Certain communications made by parties within a special relationship such as solicitor-client are protected by law from forced disclosure on the witness stand. The privilege belongs to the client and can be waived by him or her.
A statement made by a person to another that is protected by law from disclosure. A privilege may be absolute or qualified. A statement by a client to his or her lawyer is privileged under the attorney-client privilege. A statement given by a witness to an official of the Office of Risk Management is subject to qualified privilege and may not be disclosed without a showing of good cause. Tennessee law does not recognize a formal doctor-patient privilege, but the ethical principles of the profession require that medical information be retained in a confidential manner. For more details, contact the Office of Risk Management (936-0660) or the Office of General Counsel (936-0323).
A special relationship involving written or spoken communication between two or more persons in which the counselor and the confessor are both protected against the release of any communicated information.
Information communicated to an attorney, physician, spouse, or counselor that may not be revealed, even in court, without the consent of the person who made the statement.
Conversation that takes places within the context of a protected relationship, such as that between an attorney and client, a husband and wife, a priest and penitent, and a doctor and patient. The law often protects against forced disclosure of such conversations.
Statement protected from forced disclosure in court because the statement was made within a "protected" relationship such as attorney/client. See attorney-client privilege.
Verbal or written communications made between an attorney and client, husband and wife, physician and patient, or individual and their religious leader, assuring confidentiality which must not be disclosed in court.
See confidential communication.
Information exchanged between two people who (1) have a relationship in which private communications are protected by law, and (2) intend that the information be kept in confidence. The law recognizes certain parties whose communications will be considered confidential and protected, including spouses, doctor and patient, attorney and client, and priest and confessor. Communications between these individuals cannot be disclosed in court unless the protected party waives that protection. The intention that the communication be confidential is critical. For example, if an attorney and his client are discussing a matter in the presence of an unnecessary third party -- for example, in an elevator with other people present -- the discussion will not be considered confidential and may be admitted at trial. Also known as confidential communication.