confidential communication

American  

noun

Law.

1. a confidential statement made to a lawyer, doctor, or pastor, or to one's spouse, privileged against disclosure in court if the privilege is claimed by the client, patient, penitent, or spouse.

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Etymology

Origin of confidential communication

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Taken together, these filings depict a system where confidential communication with an attorney is structurally impossible.

From Slate • Dec. 12, 2025

The existence of a confidential communication channel between Mary and Castelnau was well-known to historians, and even to the English government at the time.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2023

Mr. Rusesabagina and his lawyers also said that his rights to confidential communication and his ability to prepare his defense while he was in jail were repeatedly violated.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2022

NSLs are written directives from the FBI demanding confidential communication or financial transaction records.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2019

Jefferson thought it probable that the territory would one day belong to the United States,—indeed, negotiations were pending for the transfer when the "confidential communication" to Congress was written, in January, 1803.

From Lewis and Clark Meriwether Lewis and William Clark by Lighton, William R. (William Rheem)