State Ex Rel. North Pacific Lumber Co. v. Unis

This original proceeding in mandamus arises out of discovery proceedings in connection with a pending action against North Pacific Lumber Company and others. It requires us to examine certain aspects of the attorney-client testimonial privilege which we have not, in the past, had occasion to consider.

The underlying action was brought by Mr. Oliver, a former employee of North Pacific Lumber Co., against that company and other defendants, seeking general and punitive damages for invasion of privacy. The complaint alleges that North Pacific personnel listened in on Oliver’s telephone…