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TCA 37-1-614

Evidentiary privileges inapplicable in child sexual abuse cases

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What does this charge mean?

In child sexual abuse cases, confidential communications normally protected by law (such as between a husband and wife, or a doctor and patient) cannot be used as an excuse to refuse reporting abuse, cooperating with investigations, or testifying in court—the only exception is communications between a lawyer and client.

Penalty Details

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Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
The privileged quality of communication between husband and wife and between any professional person and the professional person’s patient or client, and any other privileged communication, except that between attorney and client, as such communication relates both to the competency of the witness and to the exclusion of confidential communications, shall not apply to any situation involving known or suspected child sexual abuse and shall not constitute grounds for failure to report as required by this part, failure to cooperate with the department in its activities pursuant to this part, or failure to give evidence in any judicial proceeding relating to child sexual abuse.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

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TCA Section37-1-614