Definition

1. Noun:
   • Exemption from taxation or normal processes of law that is offered to diplomatic personnel in a foreign country: A legal principle of international law that grants diplomats and their families certain legal protections and exemptions from the jurisdiction of the host country's laws and taxes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ambassador could not be prosecuted for the traffic violation due to his diplomatic immunity.
  • Diplomatic immunity is a cornerstone of international relations, allowing diplomats to perform their duties without fear of harassment.
  • The government requested a waiver of the official's diplomatic immunity so he could face charges.

Advanced Usage

• "to invoke diplomatic immunity": to formally claim or use one's right to diplomatic immunity, often to avoid legal consequences.
  • When questioned by the police, the attaché invoked his diplomatic immunity.
• "to waive diplomatic immunity": for a diplomat's home country to formally give up the immunity, allowing the host country to prosecute.
  • The sending state decided to waive the diplomat's immunity in light of the serious allegations.

Variants and Related Words

• Diplomat (n): an official representing a country abroad.
  • The diplomat attended the summit.
• Immunity (n): protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.
  • The witness was granted immunity from prosecution.

Synonyms

• Consular immunity: A similar but often more limited legal protection granted to consular officials.
• Legal exemption: A general term for being freed from a legal rule or duty.

Related Phrases

• "abuse of diplomatic immunity": using the protections of diplomatic immunity for improper or illegal purposes beyond official duties.
  • The incident was widely condemned as a clear abuse of diplomatic immunity.
• "covered by diplomatic immunity": protected by its provisions.
  • His official actions were covered by diplomatic immunity.

Noun

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