Legal Definitions - national-security privilege

Definition: National-security privilege is a legal exemption that allows the government to withhold information that could compromise national security. It is also known as the state-secrets privilege.

Example: The government may use national-security privilege to prevent the disclosure of classified information in court cases or other legal proceedings. For example, if a plaintiff sues the government for violating their civil rights, the government may argue that certain evidence cannot be disclosed because it would reveal sensitive information that could harm national security.

Explanation: National-security privilege is a controversial legal concept that balances the need for transparency and accountability with the need to protect national security. The government must demonstrate that the information in question is truly sensitive and that its disclosure would pose a significant risk to national security. Critics argue that national-security privilege can be used to cover up government wrongdoing or to avoid accountability for illegal actions. Supporters argue that it is necessary to protect sensitive information and prevent harm to national security.