Government Privilege
/ˈɡʌvərnmənt ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal right held by the government to withhold certain information or documents from disclosure in legal proceedings.
The court recognized the government's privilege to protect national security documents from public release.
- (n.) A type of evidentiary privilege shielding government communications and deliberations from discovery or testimony to preserve confidentiality and public interest.
Government privilege barred the witness from testifying about confidential communications within the agency.
Forms
- government privilege
Related terms
Commentary
Government privilege often balances confidentiality against the need for transparency, requiring careful judicial scrutiny when asserted.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.