I'm not a lawyer, but I thought spousal privilege meant that no one could be forced to testify against their spouse, but were free to do so if they wanted. On tonight's episode, they said that husbands can't testify against wives and vice versa unless it qualifies as a rare exception (plotting a crime, etc). Does this sort of thing vary from state to state or am I just misinformed?
Tomorrow's just your future yesterday!
Anything you say is privileged.
shareWhat does that mean?
Tomorrow's just your future yesterday!
If they tell you that they destroyed a car, their is nothing you can do .
shareHere is an atticle explaining the spousal priveledge law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spousal_privilege
A spouse may not testify about confidential communications with their spouse. It is however among the requirements that both spouses have intended the communication to be confidential.
There are various exceptions and more details in the article
There is SOME variation from state to state.
shareThere are two forms of spousal privilege:
1. One spouse cannot be compelled to testify against another, but he or she can elect to do so. In this case, the holder of the privilege is the spouse that is to be a witness.
2. One spouse cannot testify about confidential communications between spouses. In this case, the holder is the person who is being testified against.
Interesting. Thanks.
Tomorrow's just your future yesterday!