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

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

The potential false sense of security is an especially important warning sign for reporters and their sources, who have turned increasingly to encrypted apps for confidential communication as such services have proliferated in recent years.

From Washington Post • Oct. 18, 2018

Because it’s illegal in California to record or eavesdrop on confidential communication without the consent of all parties, CMP is potentially on the hook for treble damages for the recordings they made.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2016

Yes, the North Carolina Court of Appeals says in one case, ruling Tuesday that crying isn’t protected by confidential communication between spouses.

From Washington Times • Oct. 20, 2015

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)