Legal Definitions - legislative privilege

Legislative privilege is a special legal right, exemption, or immunity granted to a person or class of persons in the legislative branch. It grants legal freedom to do or not to do a given act and immunizes conduct that would otherwise subject the actor to liability. The privilege protects any statement made in a legislature by one of its members and any paper published as part of legislative business.

For example, if a member of Congress makes a statement during a legislative session that is defamatory, they cannot be sued for it because of legislative privilege. This privilege is important because it allows legislators to speak freely without fear of legal repercussions, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic society.