Diplomatic Immunity
Definition
Diplomatic immunity is a principle of international law codified in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, granting foreign diplomats protection from the jurisdiction of host country courts. It ensures that diplomats can perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host government. Full diplomatic immunity applies to ambassadors and their families, while consular officers receive more limited protections. Abuse of diplomatic immunity — such as diplomats committing crimes without prosecution — remains controversial. Host nations may declare a diplomat persona non grata as a remedy, requiring their departure without criminal proceedings.
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