JAFFEE V. REDMOND - THE SUPREME-COURT RECOGNIZES A PSYCHOTHERAPIST-PATIENT PRIVILEGE IN FEDERAL-COURTS

The recent Supreme Court decision Jaffee v. Redmond (1996) recognized a psychotherapist-patient privilege in federal court. The background o f privileged communication laws in general, the federal privileged com munications rules in particular, the facts behind Jaffee v. Redmond, a nd the final court ruling are reviewed. The impact of the decision and possible future directions for the psychotherapist-patient privilege in federal and state courts also are discussed.