Client privilege, we are very familiar with this term. It sounds simple but it's not as it seems. I personally think if someone tells a priest, doctor or lawyer a secret, that means their secret should never be revealed. In that way, it helps people getting off their guilt and they feel safe enough to speak honestly. But if I think about it the other way, like what if keeping that secret could cost someone's life? Would I still agree to this? Well, this question made me realise that it's a complicated situation and the answer can not be given easily.
For an example, there was an art competition at school. The theme was to draw something that represented trust. So, only one person who did it well and had deeper meaning. My classmate Ritz drew a locked diary with a small key hanging beside it. I was very confused when I saw it because I couldn't understand the reason for drawing a lock on the diary. Later, when the teacher asked why she drew a lock she replied, "A diary is only useful because it keeps your thoughts private. If it's public then people can open it whenever they wanted, in that way no one would be ever want to write their true feelings." She had thought of a beautiful concept and won the first prize. Her way of thinking and drawing stayed in my mind because I think client privilege is a lot like that diary.
I personally, do not talk to anyone about my personal life, but if I do with someone it means I trust them. If they break my trust, I won't be sharing with them anymore or maybe I would stop sharing with anyone. Maybe I would break my friendship with them as well. Also, I think that they do not have the right to reveal my problems or secrets. But we can never control what others will do right? But if it's a lawyer, priest, or a doctor. Then it's not acceptable as they do not have the permission to reveal. It's their job to keep secrets and not expose it. If they don't do their job properly then no one would ever dare to share their true feelings with anyone.
So, the moment professionals start revealing every secret they heard, people would stop trusting them. I think they won't be receiving clients anymore. Also, if you think about people who share their secrets with the priest they might have to carry heavy guilt and never speak to a priest. If there's no trust then many problems would stay hidden and somehow in the end it will get worse.
That is why, I think client privilege is very important but if it's about saving someone's life then the goal should never be to expose people but to prevent tragedy. As a student, I have learned a lot through my journey and I believe that trust is one of the strongest parts of any relationship. But protecting life is an even greater responsibility. Also, we should keep professional and personal life separate but we should keep the right balance between the two. In conclusion, I still believe saving lives is the kindest and wisest choice.
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