What is the attorney-client privilege designed to protect?

The attorney-client privilege is specifically designed to protect confidential communications between an attorney and their client. This privilege serves to encourage open and honest communication, allowing clients to disclose all necessary information to their attorneys without the fear that those disclosures will be made public or used against them. The rationale behind this protection is to promote a trustworthy attorney-client relationship, which is essential for effective legal representation.

Confidential communications can encompass a wide array of interactions, including verbal discussions, written correspondences, and any other forms of communication that occur in the context of seeking legal advice. This privilege is fundamental to ensuring that clients receive informed counsel based on a complete understanding of their circumstances.

Other options, while related to legal matters, do not specifically relate to this privilege. Financial information may be part of the communications protected by privilege, but it is not what the privilege itself is designed to protect. Witness statements are typically not protected by attorney-client privilege, as they involve third parties and not the direct communication between an attorney and a client. Public records are by definition accessible to the public and therefore are not covered under the attorney-client privilege.