Privileged communications are statements and conversations made under confidential circumstances which cannot be compelled as evidence in court. The communications include statements in relationships of husband and wife, attorney and client, physician or therapist and patient, and minister or priest with anyone seeing them in their religious status. Reporters, psychotherapists, and informants have confidentiality extended to their communications in some states.
There are exceptions that can invalidate a privileged communication, and there are various circumstances where it can be waived, either purposefully or unintentionally. The privilege may also be waived if a client sues their attorney claiming legal malpractice.
