What type of privilege protects statements made during judicial proceedings?

The correct answer is absolute privilege. This type of privilege provides complete protection for statements made in the course of judicial proceedings, which includes courtroom testimony, pleadings filed in court, and statements made during depositions. The rationale behind this privilege is to promote free and open communication within the judicial process, allowing witnesses and parties to speak without fear of legal repercussions, thereby ensuring the integrity of the judicial system and the pursuit of justice.

In the context of Georgia tort law, absolute privilege extends not only to judges and attorneys but also to witnesses who testify in court. This helps to facilitate honest and uninhibited communication, as individuals may be more willing to provide testimony if they know they cannot be sued for defamation based on their statements made within this judicial setting.

While qualified privilege, conditional privilege, and public privilege exist, they do not provide the same level of protection as absolute privilege. Qualified privilege may protect statements made in certain contexts but can be revoked if the statement is made with malice or is otherwise improper. Conditional privilege similarly allows for protection under certain circumstances but can also be challenged under specific conditions. Public privilege is not a recognized category in the context of judicial proceedings. Thus, the complete and uncompromising protection afforded by absolute privilege makes it