Immune

Definition

Immune, in a legal context, refers to being not subject to legal process, exempt from legal duty or obligation.

Purpose

Legal immunity provides certain individuals or entities protection from legal action, often to allow them to perform functions or duties without fear of personal liability.

Examples of Use

• Diplomatic immunity protecting foreign diplomats from legal action in the host country.
• Sovereign immunity preventing lawsuits against a sovereign state without its consent.
• Qualified immunity shielding government officials from liability for actions performed within their official capacity, unless they violated clearly established law.

Related Terms

• Diplomatic Immunity: Legal immunity granted to diplomats, exempting them from the jurisdiction of the host country's laws.
• Sovereign Immunity: A legal doctrine that prevents the government or its political subdivisions, departments, and agencies from being sued without its consent.
• Qualified Immunity: Protects government officials from lawsuits alleging that the official violated a plaintiff's rights, only allowing suits where officials violated a clearly established statutory or constitutional right.

Notes

Legal immunity is often subject to limitations and conditions, ensuring that it is not abused and that there are checks and balances in place.