privileged information
n.
Information that need not be disclosed in legal proceedings, even though it may be relevant.
Notes
Different privileges grant individuals the right to withhold information in certain circumstances. For example, attorneys and accountants cannot be compelled to disclose information about their clients, and journalists cannot be forced to disclose confidential sources. Some freedom of information laws include a deliberative-process privilege that allows a government agency to restrict access to some draft materials so that government employees can engage in frank and open discussion of ideas.
