2. an exceptional exemption, or an immunity held beyond the course of the law;
3. an exemption from some burden or attendance, with which certain persons are indulged, from a supposition of the law that the public offices or duties require so much time and care that, without this indulgence, their duties could not be performed to the advantage that the public good demands. See executive privilege; informer's privilege; privileged communication.
EXAMPLE:
All citizens of a county are required to be available for jury duty. Doctors are privileged to avoid this requirement, because of their constant need to attend to their patients.
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Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; ©