In a proceeding regarding abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the case of communications between which two parties?

In a proceeding regarding abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the case of communications between which two parties?

• A. Doctor/Patient
• B. Attorney/Client
• C. Clergy/Congregant
• D. Teacher/Student

Answer: (B)

In child abuse or neglect proceedings, there’s a general rule that privileged communications should not be used against someone, protecting confidential conversations. However, there’s a specific carve-out: communications between a lawyer and their client are treated differently in this context. The court may allow these attorney-client communications to be scrutinized or admitted when necessary to protect the child’s welfare or to ensure a fair legal process. That makes attorney-client communications the exception to the usual blanket protection, which is why this option is the correct choice. The other relationships—doctor/patient, clergy/congregant, and teacher/student—remain protected by privilege and do not carry this same exception in this setting.

In child abuse or neglect proceedings, there’s a general rule that privileged communications should not be used against someone, protecting confidential conversations. However, there’s a specific carve-out: communications between a lawyer and their client are treated differently in this context. The court may allow these attorney-client communications to be scrutinized or admitted when necessary to protect the child’s welfare or to ensure a fair legal process. That makes attorney-client communications the exception to the usual blanket protection, which is why this option is the correct choice. The other relationships—doctor/patient, clergy/congregant, and teacher/student—remain protected by privilege and do not carry this same exception in this setting.