Evidence
Attorney-Client Privilege
A protection for confidential communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice.
Plain-English definition
Attorney-client privilege protects legal advice communications, not every conversation involving a lawyer. The communication generally must be confidential and made for legal advice. The privilege belongs to the client and can be waived by disclosure to outsiders.
How it works
Privilege disputes often arise in discovery logs, document reviews, internal investigations, and corporate communications involving both lawyers and business executives.
Why it matters
Privilege can keep sensitive legal advice out of the opposing side’s hands, but careless forwarding or mixed business advice can create waiver fights.
Related terms
More in Evidence
Authentication
The requirement to show that evidence is what the offering party claims it is.
Burden of Proof
The obligation to prove a claim, defense, or issue to the required legal standard.
Business Records Exception
A hearsay exception for records kept in the regular course of business under reliable recordkeeping conditions.
Clear and Convincing Evidence
A heightened proof standard requiring evidence stronger than preponderance but below beyond a reasonable doubt.
Daubert Motion
A pre-trial challenge to the admissibility of expert testimony, asking the court to act as gatekeeper over scientific or technical evidence.
Expert Witness
A witness allowed to give opinion testimony because specialized knowledge will help the factfinder understand evidence or decide facts.
Hearsay
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what the statement asserts.
Motion in Limine
A pretrial motion asking the court to admit, exclude, or limit specific evidence before the jury hears it.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.