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Simple English definitions for legal terms
state secret
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A quick definition of state secret:
A state secret is information that the government keeps secret because it could harm the country's safety or relationships with other countries if it were revealed. It is not allowed to be shared in court or with the public. Other types of privileges include the right to not incriminate oneself, the right to keep conversations with a lawyer or doctor private, and the right to not testify against one's spouse. These privileges are meant to protect people's privacy and encourage honesty.A more thorough explanation:
A state secret is information that is possessed by the government and is of a military or diplomatic nature. If this information is revealed, it could be a threat to the national defense or diplomatic interests of the United States. The disclosure of state secrets would be contrary to the public interest. State secrets are privileged from disclosure by a witness in an ordinary judicial proceeding. This means that a witness cannot be forced to reveal state secrets in court.
For example, if a government official has information about a secret military operation that could harm national security if revealed, they cannot be forced to disclose that information in court. This is because the disclosure of state secrets could be a threat to national defense.