crime fraud exception
crime-fraud exception. The doctrine that neither the attorney–client privilege nor the attorney-work-product privilege protects attorney–client communications that are in furtherance of a current or planned crime or fraud. Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1, 53 S.Ct. 465 (1933); In re Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum, 731 F.2d 1032 (2d Cir. 1984). [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 1600(3); Witnesses 201(2). C.J.S. Witnesses § 336.]