Legal Professional Privilege in England and Wales - Fraud Nullifies Privilege

Fraud Nullifies Privilege

Confidential communications between a client and his legal adviser are not privileged if made for the purpose of committing a fraud or crime. For these purposes, it is irrelevant whether the fraud is that of the client, the adviser or a third party acting through an innocent client. Fraud in this context is a wide concept extending to iniquity, which embraces (for example) a plan to enter into transactions at an undervalue to prejudice the client's creditors. However, disclosure of such documents in such circumstances will only be ordered by a court if a particularly strong prima facie case of fraud is shown.

Read more about this topic:  Legal Professional Privilege In England And Wales

Famous quotes containing the words fraud and/or privilege:

    The disfranchisement of a single legal elector by fraud or intimidation is a crime too grave to be regarded lightly.
    Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)

    People feel fame gives them some kind of privilege to walk up to you and say anything to you, of any kind of nature—and it won’t hurt your feelings—like it’s happening to your clothing.
    Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)