Personal matters, such as alchoholism or depression, marital difficulties, corporate or political problems, and in general, the concerns of patients and clients who want to share it with a professional, yet keep from all others. Professional codes of ethics have stringent requirements for maintaining confidentiality of clients. Confidentiality vs Testimonial Privilege Testimonial privilege protects information possessed by spouses or members of the clergy or lawyers against coerced revelations in court. The law recognizes this privilege in only a limited number of cases. Justification and Rationale for Confidentiality Four premises 1.
Humans have autonomy to confidentiality regarding personal information.
Confidentiality is a requirement for respect for relationships. Required for intimacy, rooted in personal loyalties, preserve collective survival of one's kin, tribe, clan. Respect for the bonds and promises that protect shared information. Confidentiality benefits those in need of advice, sanctury and aid, and in turn to society. The first three are general, and are elements of ordinary morality.