Sovereign Immunity

The principle, closely related to state immunity, that a sovereign or head of state cannot be subjected to the jurisdiction of a foreign court without consent. Sovereign immunity extends to the personal acts of heads of state and is broader in scope than state immunity, which applies to the state as an entity.

In practice

In enforcement, sovereign immunity may arise where a judgement has been obtained against a foreign head of state or government official acting in an official capacity. The State Immunity Act 1978 provides that heads of state enjoy the same immunity as the state itself. Diplomatic agents and consular officials also enjoy immunity under the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 and the Consular Relations Act 1968.