California Civil Procedure

California Discovery

Scope of Discovery: Privileges

Privileges: Introduction

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Vol: 005 Chapter 001: Introduction § 001-Burden of  Establishing Privilege

The burden of establishing that a particular matter is privileged is on the party asserting the privilege. (San Diego Professional Assn. v. Superior Court (1962) 58 Cal.2d 194, 199; Greyhound Corp. v. Superior Court (1961) 56 Cal.2d 355, 398 [party opposing disclosure on basis of privilege bears burden of establishing application of the privilege]; Gonzalez v. Superior Court (1995) 33 Cal.App.4th 1539, 1548 [where there is a prima facie showing of relevance, party {Slip Opn. Page 7} opposing disclosure on basis of conditional privilege has burden to establish preliminary facts essential to claim of privilege].)

Because the issue of whether a new evidentiary privilege should be recognized is a question of law, on appeal the appellate court  reviews it de novo. (See People ex rel. Lockyer v. Shamrock Foods Co. (2000) 24 Cal.4th 415, 432; International Engine Parts, Inc. v. Feddersen & Co. (1995) 9 Cal.4th 606, 611; Morris v. Harper (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 52, 58.)

See California Discovery-Ch. 2-Evidence Code Definitions
         California Evidence Code Section 900-905-Official Site   
         California Evidence.Net
Privilege of Defendant in Criminal Case ...............    930

California Evidence Code-Official Site