Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Pennsylvania

Death of Attorney - Client Privilege

I know the supreme court ruled in 1998 that the "sacred" attorney-client privilege does not end after the client has died, but I was wondering if there are any rulings that say otherwise. Also, I was wondering if there was anything in the constitution or law that mentions this privilege (especially information that implies that privilege does end with death). Thank you for all your help.


Asked on 1/13/00, 1:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
D Patrick Zimmerman Law Offices of D Patrick Zimmerman

Re: Death of Attorney - Client Privilege

There have been some recent PA rulings that have loosened the privilige lately. but all are fact based. I know of no Constitutional language that speaks of the privilege, but common sense requires the privilege for confidence and full use of the attorney... again, there are many areas where there is not privilege... like admission of a future crime.

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Answered on 1/19/00, 6:18 pm


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