I think I don't rightly understand spousal privilege, then. I had thought it would mean I wouldn't have to testify against my spouse, but I could if I wanted to.

If that's not how it works, I don't like it. Well, I'm iffy on its point anyway.

But Spousal Privilege only applies to "communication"? So if, say, a spouse observed her husband doing something, it wouldn't apply?

So if one spouse saw the other molesting their kid, or the molester told the first spouse s/he had done so, the first spouse couldn't testify about it? Or am I reading the legalese wrong?

Right. Spousal privilege applies to communications -- one spouse can be compelled to testify as to what she/he saw the other spouse do.

So if one spouse saw the other molesting their kid, or the molester told the first spouse s/he had done so, the first spouse couldn't testify about it? Or am I reading the legalese wrong?

The spouse can testify to what she sees, but not to what she was told by her husband.

and to prevent another from disclosing

What's the history behind that? Why should I be able to force my husband to keep my crimes quiet?

The Anaheim, formerly California, formerly LA Angels are now the LA Angels of Anaheim.

Ooookay.... [link]

Timlies, and a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to all buffistas. I meant to keep up over the weekend, but I...didn't. Thanks for the congrats on the apartment. I'm still really freaked about moving. Did I mention I hate moving? Well I do. I'm hoping it will be a little different this time since it's under my own speed, but I'm having a hard time thinking about anything else right now.

Oh, and since I saw her here, although I posted this before somewhere in here, THANK YOU msbelle, for the nummy Xmas treats!!!!

Why should I be able to force my husband to keep my crimes quiet?

The idea is that marriage is sacred. You tell your spouse stuff you'd never tell another living person, and that's the way it should be.

Used to be worse. Used to be that husband and wife were one person in law, and that person was the husband.

Which meant, among other things, that a woman arrested for, say, forgery could calmly say "Okay, fine, prosecute my husband."

Why should I be able to force my husband to keep my crimes quiet?

Well, in your case, fear is a sufficient motivator. However, the broader public policy here is to keep the government from interfering in the marital relationship. Also, it is believed that spouses should be able to see comfort, support and guidance from one another. In order to facilitate these public goods, it is important from a societal standpoint that the communications be open and honest and free from forced disclosure.

it is important from a societal standpoint that the communications be open and honest and free from forced disclosure

From my dictatorial corner, I think it's more important that people are urged to be honest than communications are protected so that there's a bit less pressure for them to be so.

But I am reading this right? I can tell my husband about the blackmail and murder, but he CANNOT testify about it, even if he, say, has a conscience?