The 'Lectric Law Library's Lexicon On
* Attorney-Client Privilege *
ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE - California Evidence Code section 954 states that 'the client, whether or not a party, has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, a confidential communication between client and lawyer . . . .' (Evid. Code, Ð 954.) 'The attorney-client privilege defined by Evidence Code section 954 authorizes a client to refuse to disclose, and to prevent others from disclosing, information communicated in confidence to the attorney and legal advice received in return. The objective of the privilege is to enhance the value which society places upon legal representation by assuring the client the opportunity for full disclosure to the attorney unfettered by fear that others will be informed. While the privilege belongs only to the client, the attorney is professionally obligated to claim it on his client's behalf whenever the opportunity arises unless he has been instructed otherwise by the client. (Evid. Code, Ð 955; Bus. & Prof. Code, Ð 6068, subd. (e).)' (Glade v. Superior Court (1978) 76 Cal.App.3d 738, 743.)
Most states have a similar doctrine, whether by statute or otherwise.
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