What does 'quality of confidence' refer to?

'Quality of confidence' refers specifically to information that is obtained in confidential circumstances, which means it is not publicly available and is shared with an expectation of privacy. This concept is often central to legal discussions surrounding confidentiality and privacy laws, as it helps to define the boundaries of what should be treated as proprietary or sensitive information in various contexts, such as journalism, business relationships, or legal matters.

When information is received in a confidential context, it is protected under various legal frameworks that can include breach of confidence and other privacy rights. This protection means that individuals have a right to keep certain information private, and that unauthorized disclosure could lead to legal consequences.

The other options do not accurately capture this legal concept. Publicly disclosed ideas are not confidential by nature, and trivial details or opinions do not possess the gravity or the legal protections associated with information that carries the quality of confidence. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of the circumstances under which information is shared, marking it as a cornerstone of confidentiality in media law.