Texas Supreme Court ruling expands government exception for attorney-client privilege

2017-02-07T16:29:06-06:00

By Chuck Lindell Austin American Statesman Originally published Feb. 3, 2017 In another decision that has alarmed open government advocates, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday carved out a special exception for public access to government information involving communication with lawyers. The 7-2 ruling said protecting attorney-client privilege is too important to force governments to disclose such information, even if the Texas Public Information Act’s requirements aren’t followed. Attorney-client privilege ensures the free flow of information and protects access to legal advice that is vital to better formulate government policy, said the opinion by Justice Eva Guzman. “Full and frank legal [...]