What is the primary focus of the attorney-client privilege?

The primary focus of the attorney-client privilege is to protect communications between a client and their attorney. This legal principle is fundamental to the functioning of the legal system as it encourages clients to share full and honest information with their attorneys without fear that these disclosures will be used against them in legal contexts. The privilege fosters a trust-based relationship crucial for effective legal representation, allowing attorneys to provide informed guidance and strategy based on complete and truthful discussions.

The attorney-client privilege ensures that any communication made in the context of seeking legal advice remains confidential and cannot be disclosed in court without the client's consent. This is significant because it upholds the right to a fair legal process, where clients can seek legal counsel without the risk of exposure of sensitive information.