What is executive privilege and when does it apply Include proper Essay

What is executive privilege and when does it apply Include proper in-text citations in APA format to support your answer - Essay Example Executive privilege was exerted by Presidents as many believed that information could be withheld if public interest was involved or if it interfered in the job of the President (What’s the legal basis, 2008). In the modern context executive privilege is exercised when there is a need to protect national security, to maintain confidentiality of certain deliberations or investigations made in the White House. An executive privilege memorandum that was issued during the Reagan administration stated that the privilege would be invoked only when there was a dire need for confidentiality and after a careful review along with an authorization issued by the President. There have been several controversies associated with the use of the executive privilege as in the case of the Watergate scandal involving President Nixon and post-Watergate cases as in the case of President Clinton. In these instances Presidential power was used to conceal certain wrongdoings which finally led to their resignations and impeachment respectively (Rozell, 2002). Also, several disputes associated with exerting the privilege by Presidents are related to requests made by the Congress for such privileged information. In such cases even the courts have not been able to balance the privilege claims made on behalf of the President and the congressional demand for information (What’s the legal basis, 2008). However, given the various issues associated with exercising executive privilege, its use has now become legitimate and can be invoked by the President if any subject is deemed as classified and therefore needs to be concealed. 1. Rozell, M. J. (2002). Executive Privilege Revived? Secrecy and Conflict during the Bush Presidency. Duke Law Journal, 52, 403-421. Retrieved 5 May, 2012, from