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Simple English definitions for legal terms
attorney-client privilege
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A quick definition of attorney-client privilege:
Attorney-client privilege is a rule that says a lawyer can't tell anyone what their client tells them. This is so people can trust their lawyer and be honest with them. But, if someone talks to a lawyer in front of other people, it might not be a secret anymore. The rule can be used to stop people from making a lawyer tell secrets in court. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if someone talks to a lawyer about doing something bad, the lawyer might have to tell someone. Also, if there is a really good reason, like keeping a child safe, a lawyer might have to tell a secret.
A more thorough explanation:
Attorney-client privilege is a legal rule that keeps confidential communications between a lawyer and their client private. This means that anything you tell your lawyer is protected and cannot be shared with anyone else without your permission.
For example, if you tell your lawyer about a crime you committed, they cannot tell anyone else, including the police or a judge. However, if you tell someone else about what you told your lawyer, then the privilege may be waived and the information can be shared.
The privilege can be used as a defense in court if someone tries to force your lawyer to reveal what you told them. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you tell your lawyer about a plan to commit a crime, the privilege does not apply and your lawyer may be required to report it to the authorities.
It's important to note that the privilege only applies if there is an attorney-client relationship. This means that if you talk to a lawyer at a party or in a public place, the privilege may not apply because there is no expectation of privacy.
Overall, attorney-client privilege is an important protection that allows people to speak freely with their lawyers without fear of their conversations being used against them.