Privileged communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Privileged communication" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts or discussions about confidentiality, particularly regarding communications that are protected from disclosure. For example, "The lawyer assured her that their conversation was considered privileged communication." Alternative expressions include "confidential communication" and "protected communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Ethics

Research

Journalism

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

(Privileged Communication) Release Date: 2/1/1599 Application Number: 1 R01 NS00002 Principal Investigator SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM Project Title: "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" SRG Action: Impact/Priority Score: 52 Percentile: UN ‐      Understanding the human condition is potentially of high impact.

eLife

If the defense is asserted must there be public disclosure of everything communicated between the attorney and the client (privileged communication issue)?

HuffPost

Informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, privileged communication, and respect and responsibility are key elements of ethics in research.

Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure

We are of opinion that what was said by Bircher to Mr. Cook was an absolutely privileged communication.

Cornell University

Hardwick said: "The interception of telephone calls from prisoners to constituency MPs' offices or other privileged communication is a very serious matter.

The Guardian

He was respected before but perhaps he will be a little more protected because he has that privileged communication with referees now".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This privileged interorganelle communication facilitates mitochondrial ATP transport for SR Ca2+ cycling and ensures energy replenishment by reciprocal Ca2+ and ADP exchange.

Cell Death and Disease

The memo, headed "confidential and privileged attorney-client communication," was from Richard P. Bonnifield, the Power Authority's general counsel, to Mr. Kessel.

The New York Times

It is likewise his right and his duty to communicate to the executive officers any information which he has of the commission of an offense against those laws; and such information, given by a private citizen, is a privileged and confidential communication, for which no action of libel or slander will lie, and the disclosure of which cannot be compelled without the assent of the government.

Cornell University

"Up to now, these have been private, privileged forms of communication," though she notes that semen is known to influence female physiology.

Science Magazine

Accordingly, once an employee makes a significant allegation of sexual harassment or discrimination, especially one likely to bring media attention, the CEO, ideally with the General Counsel or outside counsel (to ensure the communication is privileged), should promptly inform the Board of Directors.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, always specify the type of relationship (e.g., attorney-client, doctor-patient) to clarify the scope and extent of the "privileged communication".

Common error

Avoid assuming all communications are automatically privileged. Privilege depends on specific relationships and the purpose of the communication. Ensure the context aligns with established legal precedents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Privileged communication" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a legally protected interaction, typically involving confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Privileged communication" is a noun phrase denoting a legally protected interaction, primarily used to assert a legal right to confidentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains, including law, ethics, and journalism. While alternatives like "confidential communication" exist, "Privileged communication" carries the specific connotation of legal protection. When using this phrase, ensure that the communication context genuinely qualifies for such protection to avoid misapplication. The common errors include overbroad application of privilege. Overall, "Privileged communication" is a significant and frequently encountered term in legal and ethical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Confidential communication

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect, omitting the legal protection nuance.

Protected communication

Emphasizes the protection aspect, but is less specific legally.

Confidential attorney-client communication

Specifically refers to communications between a lawyer and their client that are protected by law.

Doctor-patient confidentiality

Highlights the confidentiality between a doctor and a patient.

Priest-penitent privilege

Specifies the religious context of privileged communication.

Confidential informant privilege

Highlights the protection of a confidential informant's identity and communications.

Immunity from disclosure

Focuses on the legal protection from having to reveal information.

Right to privacy

Broadens the scope to general privacy rights.

Non-disclosure agreement

Legal contract that aims to protect sensitive information.

Ethical confidentiality

Refers to confidentiality obligations arising from professional ethical codes.

FAQs

What does "privileged communication" mean in law?

In law, "privileged communication" refers to interactions that are protected from forced disclosure in legal proceedings. This protection typically applies to certain relationships, like attorney-client, doctor-patient, and priest-penitent.

How does "privileged communication" differ from general confidentiality?

"Privileged communication" has a specific legal meaning, protecting communications from disclosure in court. General confidentiality, while requiring discretion, does not have the same legal protection. Certain "confidential communication" may not be protected if there is no applicable privilege.

When can "privileged communication" be waived?

The privilege belongs to the person holding the privilege (e.g., the client or patient). It can be waived if they disclose the communication to a third party or explicitly agree to waive their rights.

Are there exceptions to "privileged communication"?

Yes, exceptions exist. For example, the crime-fraud exception voids attorney-client privilege if the communication was in furtherance of a crime or fraud. Similarly, there are exceptions related to imminent harm or legal obligations to report certain information.