diplomatic immunity

noun

1. exemption from taxation, searches, arrest, etc., enjoyed by diplomatic officials and their dependent families under international law, and usually on a reciprocal basis.

diplomatic immunity

noun

1. the immunity from local jurisdiction and exemption from taxation in the country to which they are accredited afforded to diplomats

diplomatic immunity

1. Exemption of diplomats — ambassadors and other representatives of a foreign nation — from the laws of the nation to which they are assigned.

Notes

Foreign representatives have sometimes gone unpunished for serious crimes after claiming diplomatic immunity. The main purpose of diplomatic immunity, however, is to protect diplomats from harassment or arrest by their host government.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diplomatic immunity¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Diplomats from countries lacking the rule of law, for instance, regularly flouted parking rules in New York City when they had diplomatic immunity.

From Washington Post

Since the fatal incident, Dunn’s family has campaigned for her to be stripped of diplomatic immunity so she can return to Britain to face justice.

From Washington Post

The U.S. claimed that Davis carried a diplomatic passport and therefore enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

From The Daily Beast

The Americans – along with other foreign embassies - claim diplomatic immunity and refuse to pay them.

From The Daily Beast

His attorneys argued that he enjoyed diplomatic immunity as head of the IMF.

From The Daily Beast

But I wonder about the necessity for diplomatic immunity for an innocent person.

From The Daily Beast

He asks if the handcuffs are necessary and declares: “I have diplomatic immunity.”

From The Daily Beast

And it would practically destroy the principle of diplomatic immunity.

From Project Gutenberg