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physician-patient privilege :: legal definition


Physician-patient privilege - n. the right and obligation of a physician to refuse to testify in a trial or other legal proceeding about any statement made to him/her by a patient on the basis that any communication between doctor and patient is confidential. A patient could sue the physician for damages if the doctor breaches the confidence by testifying. Of course, in most trials involving injuries the physician will testify with the plaintiff's permission. Note: when the defendant's physician examines the injured plaintiff, the plaintiff has given permission for that examination and potential testimony, so a plaintiff must be cautious in making statements.

See also: confidential communication privilege and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

attorney-client privilege :: n. the requirement that an attorney may not reveal ... ivileged communication work product
confidential communication :: n. certain written communications which can be kep ... privilege privileged communication
cross-examination :: n. the opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepre ... examination testimony trial witness
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
insufficient evidence :: n. a finding (decision) by a trial judge or an app ... l court. See also: evidence finding
non-suit :: n. a ruling by the judge in a lawsuit either when ... the defendant. See also: dismissal
privileged communication :: n. statements and conversations made under circums ... See also: attorney-client privilege
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
shield laws :: n. statutes enacted in some states which declare t ... See also: privileged communication
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.

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