---
title: "immunity from criminal jurisdiction — Definition & Meaning"
description: "Immunity from criminal jurisdiction protects diplomats and state officials from foreign criminal prosecution, rooted in international law principles."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/immunity-from-criminal-jurisdiction"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Immunity from criminal jurisdiction is the rule of international law exempting certain state officials and diplomats from arrest, prosecution, and trial before a foreign state's criminal courts.
- What is the difference between immunity ratione personae and immunity ratione materiae?
- Can a diplomat waive their own criminal immunity?
- Does immunity from criminal jurisdiction apply to international crimes like torture?
- How is diplomatic immunity given effect in Indian law?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Immunity from criminal jurisdiction is the rule of international law exempting certain state officials and diplomats from arrest, prosecution, and trial before a foreign state's criminal courts.

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In 2013, US authorities arrested Indian Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade in New York; India argued her consular status under the VCCR, then secured full diplomatic immunity by transferring her to its UN mission, enabling her departure.

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