Trúnaðarréttarlög

Trúnaðarréttarlög, often translated as attorney-client privilege or legal professional privilege, refers to the legal protection that keeps communications between a lawyer and their client confidential. This privilege is a fundamental aspect of legal systems that aim to ensure clients can speak freely and openly with their legal counsel without fear that their discussions will be disclosed to others. The core principle is that a client must be able to share all relevant information, even if it is embarrassing or potentially damaging, with their lawyer to receive effective legal representation.

The scope of trúnaðarréttarlög typically covers communications made for the purpose of seeking or providing legal advice. This includes discussions about facts, strategies, and intentions. The privilege generally belongs to the client, meaning that only the client can waive it. Lawyers are ethically and legally bound to maintain this confidentiality, and breaching it can have serious professional and legal consequences.

However, the privilege is not absolute and can have exceptions. Common exceptions include situations where the communication relates to future criminal activity or fraud, or when the client waives the privilege themselves. In some jurisdictions, the privilege may also be limited in cases involving disputes between the lawyer and the client. The specific rules and nuances of trúnaðarréttarlög can vary between different legal systems and countries.