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

Following the crash in August 2019, the driver of the car, Anne Sacoolas, took advantage of diplomatic immunity and flew back to the US.

From BBC

Her parents say they realise the US diplomat has diplomatic immunity but an apology might help them recover from the pain and give them a sense of closure.

From BBC

Defense lawyers will not represent them and French magistrates determined they don’t have diplomatic immunity.

From Seattle Times

According to Indian media reports, she has not been arrested because of her diplomatic immunity.

From Seattle Times

It said his detention was extended despite letters from the U.N. stating his entitlement to diplomatic immunity and requests for his release and an end to the case against him.

From Seattle Times