diplomatic service: Diplomatic Immunity

The persons of diplomats enjoy diplomatic immunity, i.e., they are exempt from search, arrest, or prosecution by the government to which they are accredited. This immunity, which derives from the concept of extraterritoriality, is deemed necessary for diplomats to properly carry out their official duties. They are allowed communications and transportation without interference, and their embassy and residence enjoy similar privileges of extraterritoriality. This tradition of diplomatic immunity was violated by Iran during the Iran hostage crisis.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Recent Developments
• Diplomatic Relations
• Diplomatic Immunity
• Diplomatic Service of the United States
• The Members of the Service
• Origins
• Bibliography

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