Court expands patient privilege; confidentiality between therapist and patient is seen - and it applies to social workers as well

Article Abstract:

A June 13, 1996, ruling by the US Supreme Court recognizes for the first time a federal psychotherapist-patient privilege similar to the attorney- client privilege. Lower courts must determine exceptions and other details to the privilege, which extends to communications made to licensed social workers in the course of psychotherapy. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize some sort of similar privilege, which the 7-judge majority noted in an opinion by Justice John Paul Stevens.

Confidential communications

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D.C. Circuit details default judgment burden

Article Abstract:

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Aug 25 that to impose default judgment for litigation misconduct, a federal court must find clear and convincing evidence of abuse and show specifically why a lesser sanction is inadequate. The case, one of first impression, overturned a decision by US District Judge Royce Lamberth, in which he used a preponderance-of-the- evidence standard in handing down judgments against American Broadcasting Cos and its counsel, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering.

Judgments by default, Default judgments

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Psychotherapist privilege claim to high court; can a police officer refuse to testify about what she said in counseling?

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court will decide in Jaffee v. Redmond if there is a federal psychotherapist-patient privilege. In this case, a police officer who had been involved in a fatal shooting sought professional help. The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit recognized the privilege, wanting to encourage police officers to seek help when necessary. Rule 501 is the federal rule on privileges and its interpretation has differed in federal court.

Testimony, Police, Police officers

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