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.

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

Anne Sacoolas was not drug tested and was allowed to leave the scene before flying back to the US under diplomatic immunity.

From BBC

Sacoolas left the country after the incident, with the US claiming she had diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

From BBC

She left the country after the incident, with the US claiming she had diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

From BBC

The driver, Anne Sacoolas, left the UK under diplomatic immunity laws but was eventually given a suspended prison sentence for causing death by careless driving.

From BBC

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised police to charge Mr Mugerwa with conspiracy, but he had diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan Government did not waive.

From BBC