What defines confidential communications in a legal context?

Confidential communications are primarily characterized by statements that are intended solely for the addressed person. This means that the information is meant to be private and not disclosed to others, creating a protected communication context. In legal scenarios, confidentiality is often critical for maintaining the trust and integrity of specific relationships, such as those between clients and attorneys, doctors and patients, or spouses.

The essence of this definition lies in the intent behind the communication; when a person communicates something with the expectation that it will remain private, it establishes a legal framework that may protect that communication from being disclosed without permission. Such protections are vital in litigation and other legal proceedings, where personal or sensitive information may otherwise be exposed.

Other options do not align with the concept of confidentiality. For instance, statements made in public forums are inherently open and lack confidentiality. Statements under duress may raise questions of validity and consent but do not directly relate to the definition of confidential communications. Likewise, statements edited for publication imply that the information will be shared publicly, which directly contradicts the idea of confidentiality.