Diplomatic Immunity: History and Overview

RS21672 -- Diplomatic Immunity: History and Overview

November 19, 2003

Summary

Since ancient times, the concept of diplomatic immunity has been recognized in relationships between sovereign entities. More recently, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations served to codify customary practice concerning the recognition and scope of diplomatic immunity. This report describes the history behind the principle of diplomatic immunity, as well as international and domestic law concerning the scope of this immunity.