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Privilege
Privilege is a legal rule that lets you keep certain communications secret from the court, even if they might be relevant to the case.
What it actually is
Privilege protects confidential communications, often between a person and their lawyer, from being forced into evidence. It appears during discovery or trial when one side tries to ask about those protected exchanges, and the court decides whether the communication qualifies as privileged.
Why it matters in your case
If privilege applies, you cannot be forced to reveal what was said in those protected conversations, and the judge will exclude that evidence from the case. This matters because it lets you speak candidly with your lawyer without fear that your own words will later be used against you.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think privilege means any conversation with any professional is secret, but it only applies to specific relationships and circumstances, such as confidential legal advice. Also, if a third person is present or you share the communication outside the protected relationship, the privilege can be lost.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.