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Letter I
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Immunity

Protection from legal liability or prosecution granted by law. Types include sovereign immunity (government), diplomatic immunity, and witness immunity.

Encyclopedia entry: Immunity

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immunity

Immunity refers to legal protection that exempts a person from liability , punishment, or legal action that would otherwise apply. Immunity can be granted in various contexts, including criminal and civil cases, administrative proceedings , and legislative inquiries. For example, see "immunity from prosecution "

The concept of immunity has its roots in the common law , but it has been codified in various statutes and legal codes . For example, the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause grants immunity to federal officials performing their official duties.

See also presidential immunity and Trump v. U.S.

See also: Diplomatic immunity ; Qualified Immunity ; Sovereign immunity

[Last reviewed in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.