ATTORNEY–CLIENT PRIVILEGE IN THE LIGHT OF THE JURISPRUDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

The attorney–client privilege is one of the fundamental elements that determines the actual assurance of the right to legal aid. It allows for the existence of trust between the client and the attorney, creating optimal conditions for the free and unrestricted transfer of information and comments between them. This, in turn, means that the attorney – equipped with full and true knowledge from the client, can most effectively assist in seeking protection of his rights and freedoms in court or before other public authorities. This means that attorney–client privilege increases the effectiveness of legal assistance and, consequently, access to court and enforcement of judicial procedures for the protection of all rights and freedoms. The article analyzes the significance of the attorney–client privilege in the context of the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. The ECtHR has repeatedly ruled on the protection of the attorney–client privilege as part of the human rights protection system. The Tribunal places the right to keep secret the information provided between the client and the lawyer in the sphere of guarantees arising from Article 6 (right to court) and Article 8 (right to protect communication) of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.