Privileges Flashcards

1
Q

In federal diversity actions, what defines the scope of privileges available to a witness in a civil case?

A

State law

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2
Q

In federal questionand criminal actions,whatdefinesthescope of privileges available to a witness?

A

Federal common law

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3
Q

Unless as provided by statute, what privileges can a person never assert?

A

The privilege to refuse to:

  1. Be a witness
  2. Disclose a matter
  3. Produce any object or writing
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4
Q

What are the four communication privileges recognized in federal courts and in all 50 states?

A
  1. Attorney - Client
  2. Psychotherapist - Client
  3. Clergy - Penament
  4. Husband - Wife
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5
Q

What are the steps to analyzing a privileges issue?

A

Excluding evidence by way of privilege only occurs if:

Step 1: The persons in the conversation must be in a protected relationship

Step 2: A communication must have occurred

Step 3: The communication must be made with the intent of confidentiality

Step 4: Only the holder of the privilege can assert the privilege

Step 5: The holder did not waive the privilege at any point

Step 6: No exceptions to the privilege apply

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6
Q

In the attorney-client privilege, who is theholderand what isprotected?

A

Holder: Client

Protected:

Communications made for the purpose of seeking professional legal advice or services

And

Work product prepared in anticipation of litigation

≠ observations

More Info: Attorney-Client Privilege

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7
Q

What is the scope of persons the attorney-client privilege can apply to?

A

Anyone who is assisting and furthering the representation, including paralegals, secretaries, and doctors making physical exams.

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8
Q

How is attorney-client destroyed?

A

When the parties are aware that someone is listening to the conversation

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9
Q

Who qualifies as the client in attorney-client privilege?

A

Any person or entity who is seeking legal services or is consulting with the possibility of obtaining legal services

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10
Q

Who is a lawyer for attorney-client privilege?

A

Anyone who is reasonably believed by the client to engage in the practice of law

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11
Q

Who can claim privilege in the attorney-client privilege?

A

The client or the lawyer on the client’s behalf

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12
Q

What is the consequence of a failure to assert a privilege when a privilege applies to a piece of evidence?

A

The privilege is waived as to whatever information was objectionable.

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13
Q

In what unique client circumstances is there not attorney-client privilege?

A
  1. Client is planning a future crime and fraud
  2. When a client sues attorney
  3. Joint Clients, meaning where two clients hire the same attorney and are then involved in litigation between each other
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14
Q

Are fee arrangements privileged information?

A

No

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15
Q

What is the duration of the attorney client privilege?

A

Infinite, going beyond the client’s death

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16
Q

When do doctor-patient privileges exist?

A

Only through state statute, so the case needs to be in federal court based upon diversity for it to apply federally

17
Q

When it applies, what fields does the doctor-patient privilege extend to?

A
  1. Licensed social worker
  2. Marriage counselors
  3. Psychotherapist
  4. Medical Providers

≠ Educational or Vocational counselors

More Info: Doctor-Patient Privilege

18
Q

What is the scope of the doctor-patient privilege?

A

The privilege applies to protect confidential communications:

  1. Between a licensed doctor and a patient
  2. Directly associated with medical treatment
    * More Info:* Doctor-Patient Privilege
19
Q

When does doctor-patient privilege not apply?

A
  1. Personal injury cases

And

  1. Malpractice suits againsts doctor
20
Q

Who can assert the marital communications privilege?

A

Either spouse, both are the holders of the privilege

21
Q

What does the marital communications privilege protect?

A

Those conversations by the parties intended to be confidential during their marriage

≠ Observations

22
Q

When is marital communication privilege terminated?

A

It never terminates

23
Q

What are the exceptions to the marital communication privilege?

A

The privilege does not exist when:

  1. Crimes of one spouse v. another, or against a child
  2. Divorce proceedings are before the court

Or

  1. Spouses jointly participate in a crime
24
Q

What is spousal immunity?

A

It protects all communications, regardless of confidentiality, both during and before marriage.

The immunity includes testimony, observations, and impressions.

A spouse cannot be compelled to testify about virtually anything.

More Info: Spousal Immunity

25
Q

Who can assert spousal immunity?

A

In federal court, the spouse who is testifying has the right to assert it. The non-testifying spouse cannot assert the privilege.

26
Q

What are the requirements for spousal immunity?

A
  1. A valid marriage
  2. A criminal case
  3. No divorce
27
Q

The religious privilege protects what confidential communications?

A

Only applies to communications:

  1. From pennant to clergyman
  2. Under conditions of confidentiality
  3. With intent to give spiritual guidance
28
Q

The 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination only applies when?

A

Witness testimony

29
Q

What types of evidence does the 5th Amendment not apply to?

A

Blood, hair, handwriting samples, fingerprints, lineups, and photo IDs.

30
Q

Can testimony given at a preliminary hearing waive 5th amendment rights at trial?

A

No, the 5th Amendment can never be waived

31
Q

May the prosecutor use the defendant’s assertionof the5th Amendment privilege against him?

A

No

32
Q

When can witnesses and parties in civil cases assert the 5th Amendment?

A

When on the stand

More Info: Assertion of 5th Amendment

33
Q

What protections are offered to a witness with transactional immunity?

A

The witness cannot be prosecuted for the underlying offense.

34
Q

What protection does a witness with use immunity have?

A

The witnesses cannot have their testimony used against them; however, they can still be charged with the underlying offense.

35
Q

How is the 5th Amendment waived?

A

Waiver occurs whenever the holder of the privilege voluntarily discloses the privileged informoation.

However, it can be asserted again.

36
Q

When can an opposing party use a party asserting their 5th amendment right against them?

A

Only in civil cases, never in criminal cases