What is the primary purpose of attorney-client privilege?

The primary purpose of attorney-client privilege is to ensure confidentiality in communications between a client and their attorney. This privilege allows clients to share sensitive and potentially incriminating information with their legal counsel without the fear of that information being disclosed to others, including in legal proceedings. This confidentiality is crucial for effective legal representation, as it enables attorneys to provide informed advice and develop appropriate legal strategies based on complete and truthful information provided by clients. This privilege is foundational to the legal system, as it promotes open communication and trust between clients and their attorneys, which is essential for a fair and just legal process.