Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: ex parte paterna
Privilege: In the law, there are some things that people don't have to talk about in court. This is called "privilege." It means that certain information is private and can't be asked about or shared. This is because there are good reasons why the information should be kept secret. Some examples of privilege include not having to say things that might make you look guilty, not having to share secrets with your spouse, and not having to tell your lawyer everything you've done.
Definition: In the law of evidence, privilege refers to certain subject matters that are protected and cannot be inquired into in any way. This means that privileged information is not subject to disclosure or discovery and cannot be asked about in testimony. Privileges exist not because of a fear that information provided will be inaccurate, but because there are public policy reasons the information should not be disclosed.
These examples illustrate how certain types of information are protected by law and cannot be used against a person in court. This is important because it allows people to be honest with their lawyers and spouses without fear of their words being used against them later.