What is one of the two spousal privileges recognized in legal contexts?

The concept of spousal privileges is rooted in the idea that certain communications and relationships within marriage deserve protection for the sake of family integrity and privacy. One of the recognized spousal privileges is spousal immunity, which generally refers to the prohibition against one spouse testifying against the other in a criminal matter without consent. This privilege serves to encourage open and honest communication between spouses, ensuring that individuals can speak freely without the fear of their words being used against them in legal proceedings.

Spousal immunity typically applies in situations involving testimonial obligations and serves as a shield in criminal cases, promoting the stability of the marital relationship. It's important to note that this privilege is not absolute and may vary based on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case.

While marital confidentiality is another privilege where communications made in a marital context are protected, spousal immunity specifically addresses the issue of a spouse's ability to testify against the other, making it a distinct and recognized privilege in legal contexts.