What is the diplomatic immunity law?

1. Except in so far as additional privileges and immunities may be granted by the receiving State, a diplomatic agent who is a national of or permanently resident in that State shall enjoy only immunity from jurisdiction, and inviolability, in respect of official acts performed in the exercise of his functions.

Are diplomats immune from the law?

Diplomatic immunity is a form of legal immunity that ensures diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country’s laws, although they may still be expelled. Many principles of diplomatic immunity are now considered to be customary law.

What is an example of diplomatic immunity?

Diplomats and their families have also been known to use diplomatic immunity to avoid prosecution for criminal behavior. For example, in a 1983 case the New York City Police Department suspected a diplomat’s son of 15 different rapes.

Who enjoys diplomatic immunity?

Diplomats
Diplomats who represent their country abroad enjoy diplomatic immunity. This protects them against prosecution in the receiving state for the entire period in which they hold their diplomatic post.

Can you buy diplomatic immunity?

Diplomatic passports are not sold. They are available for select individuals.

Why do diplomats need immunity?

Diplomatic immunity is designed to allow diplomats safety and immunity from lawsuit or prosecution under the host country’s laws. Two-way immunity allows diplomats to effectively carry out their duties with the host state assured that their diplomats will receive the same treatment.

Why do diplomats don’t pay taxes?

In 1982, Congress passed the Foreign Missions Act, 22 U.S.C. Not all foreign missions and their personnel are entitled to tax exemption, because this privilege is based on reciprocity and not all foreign countries grant such tax exemption to American Embassies and personnel. …

Who is eligible for diplomatic immunity?

They have (either criminal or civil) immunity only for acts performed in connection with their embassy role. Their family members enjoy no immunity at all. There are exceptions. In rare cases, both the second and third categories of embassy personnel above may enjoy as much immunity as diplomatic agents.

What can you get away with diplomatic immunity?

Probably as old as the policy itself, abuse of diplomatic immunity ranges from non-payment of traffic fines to serious felonies like rape, domestic abuse, and murder. In 2014, New York City police estimated that diplomats from more than 180 countries owed the city over $16 million in unpaid parking tickets.