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Simple English definitions for legal terms
official privilege
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A quick definition of official privilege:
Official privilege is a special legal right that grants someone the freedom to do or not do something that would normally result in liability. There are different types of privileges, such as absolute privilege, which completely protects an actor from a lawsuit, and qualified privilege, which only protects an actor when the privilege is properly exercised in the performance of a legal or moral duty. Other privileges include attorney-client privilege, doctor-patient privilege, and spousal privilege. These privileges allow individuals to keep certain information confidential and not disclose it in court.A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Official privilege is a special legal right, exemption, or immunity granted to a person or class of persons, which grants them the legal freedom to do or not to do a given act. It immunizes conduct that, under ordinary circumstances, would subject the actor to liability.
Example: An official privilege can be seen in the immunity granted to state officers from a defamation lawsuit for any statement made by one state officer to another in the course of official duty.
Explanation: This means that if a state officer makes a statement to another state officer in the course of their official duty, they cannot be sued for defamation, even if the statement is false and harmful. This is because they have official privilege, which grants them immunity from such lawsuits. This privilege is granted to protect state officers from being sued for carrying out their official duties, which may involve making statements that could be considered defamatory in other circumstances.