diplomatic immunity

/ˌˈdɪpləˌmædɪk ɪˌmjunədi/

Other forms: diplomatic immunities

Diplomatic immunity is an exemption from certain laws that officials get when they are representing their country in a foreign nation.

If you’re a diplomat, appointed to represent your government in negotiations and maintain good relations with your host country, you get special protections. Diplomatic immunity means that you can’t be prosecuted or sued by the foreign nation — although they can kick you out if they believe you’re violating their laws. Nearly every country in the world follows this policy, which helps maintain good relations between nations, even when they’re at war with each other.

Definitions of diplomatic immunity

1. noun

   exemption from taxation or normal processes of law that is offered to diplomatic personnel in a foreign country
   type of:

   exemption, freedom

   immunity from an obligation or duty