Rule · Federal Rules of Evidence

Rule 501. Privilege in General

Federal Rules of Evidence § 501

Type: Rule
Source: Federal Rules of Evidence
Jurisdiction: Federal
Date: 2026-07-10
Topic: general

Rule 501. Privilege in General The common law — as interpreted by United States courts in the light of reason and experience — governs a claim of privilege unless any of the following provides otherwise: • the United States Constitution; • a federal statute; or • rules prescribed by the Supreme Court. But in a civil case, state law governs privilege regarding a claim or defense for which state law supplies the rule of decision. (Amended eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)

Rule501. Privilege in General

The common law — as interpreted by United States courts in the light of reason and experience — governs a claim of privilege unless any of the following provides otherwise:

• the United States Constitution;

• a federal statute; or

• rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

But in a civil case, state law governs privilege regarding a claim or defense for which state law supplies the rule of decision.

(Amended eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)