executive privilege

American  

noun

1. the discretionary right claimed by certain U.S. presidents to withhold information from Congress or the judiciary.

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Etymology

Origin of executive privilege

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In 1974, Philip Lacovara, as counsel to the special prosecutor, urged the Supreme Court to reject Nixon’s claim of executive privilege with a “definitive” ruling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2024

There, he helped clear a difficult clemency case backlog and provided the governor the legal guidance to pledge never to use executive privilege to keep records away from the public.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

However, Nichols agreed to postpone Bannon's sentence as he pursued an appeal on the basis that he enjoyed immunity as a result of executive privilege.

From Salon • May 10, 2024

“The words executive privilege are not magical incantations,” said Mehta at Navarro’s hearing.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2024

Hence it is that to the superficial view it appears that only the Senate has been outrageous in its encroachments upon executive privilege.

From Congressional Government A Study in American Politics by Wilson, Woodrow