Michael J. Hutter Michael J. Hutter

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Introduction

Consider the following scenario: "X" in a fit of fury strikes a classmate in the head with a baseball bat after a bullying incident. The victim dies and "X," beset with guilt and remorse, turns to another person for counsel and advice. If that person is an attorney, any confidential communication to the attorney would be protected against disclosure by the attorney-client privilege, CPLR 4503(a). Similar protection against disclosure exists for a confidential communication to a spouse, CPLR 4502(b); member of the clergy, CPLR 4505; physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, CPLR 4504, 4507; or a social worker, CPLR 4508. But would a confidential communication by "X" to X's parent be privileged?