In California, an objection to a question seeking testimony regarding attorney-client discussions or communications is raised to protect the confidentiality of communications between a client and their attorney. Under the California Evidence Code section 954, the attorney-client privilege allows a client to refuse to disclose, and to prevent others from disclosing, confidential communications made for the purpose of seeking legal advice or assistance. The privilege is designed to encourage open and honest communication between clients and their attorneys, as this is crucial for effective legal representation. If a question seeks to elicit testimony about such protected communications, the attorney will object on the grounds that it violates the attorney-client privilege.
The attorney-client privilege is not absolute, and there are some exceptions, such as when the communication was made in furtherance of a crime or fraud. However, in general, any question that seeks to invade this protected space is considered improper, and the court will sustain the objection to prevent disclosure. This rule applies not only to verbal communications but also to written correspondence between the attorney and the client. If an attorney believes that a question is asking for privileged information, the objection is meant to safeguard the confidentiality of those discussions and uphold the fairness of the legal process. The court will typically require that the attorney assert the privilege, and if necessary, it will conduct a hearing to determine whether the privilege applies to the specific communication in question.
