Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A principle preventing courts of one country from questioning the validity of public acts performed by a recognized foreign sovereign within its own territory.

Standards used by international courts or bodies to determine whether a case or complaint can be heard or reviewed.

Criteria used to determine whether a refugee claim is eligible for examination based on jurisdiction and substance before a refugee status determination authority.

Historical agreements granting privileges and immunities to foreign nationals within a host state, often affecting jurisdiction and legal treatment.

The specific subject areas and types of legislation for which a legislative committee has authority to review, amend, and recommend bills. It defines the committee's scope within the legislative process.

A principle where the International Criminal Court acts only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to prosecute serious crimes.

The ICC prosecutes crimes only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate or prosecute.

The principle that international courts may only prosecute crimes when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so genuinely.

The principle that international criminal courts prosecute crimes only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.

Jurisdiction that a court exercises over parties without their prior consent, typically under treaty provisions. It enables international courts to hear disputes mandatorily.

The situation where more than one court or tribunal has the authority to adjudicate the same dispute. It often occurs between domestic and international jurisdictions.

The legal authority of a state to regulate conduct occurring in or affecting its cyberspace or digital infrastructure.

The concept that data is subject to the laws and governance of the country where it is collected or stored.

The concept that a state has the right to govern and regulate digital infrastructure and data within its territory.

A criterion to attribute conduct to a state based on its effective control over non-state actors during armed conflict.

The extension of a state's criminal jurisdiction beyond its borders to prosecute offenses committed abroad. It is often justified by nationality or protective principles.

The extension of a state's human rights obligations beyond its territorial boundaries in certain situations.

The ability of a state to exercise legal power beyond its territorial boundaries under certain conditions.

The legal authority a state exercises over ships registered under its flag, including enforcement of laws on the high seas. It is fundamental to the law of the sea.

A legal doctrine allowing courts to dismiss a case when another forum is more appropriate for hearing the dispute.

Consent by a state to a court’s jurisdiction after proceedings have begun, allowing adjudication despite initial lack of jurisdictional consent.

Jurisdiction exercised by a state or international body based on specific functions or activities rather than territorial or personal grounds.

The authority claimed by some states to intervene legally in another state's affairs under specific international law conditions.

The principle that a ship is subject to the jurisdiction and laws of the state whose flag it flies.

Optional clause declarations are unilateral commitments by states accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice as compulsory in legal disputes.

The ICC jurisdiction principle that allows it to prosecute only when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so.

The principle that a sovereign state and its property are immune from the jurisdiction of foreign national courts without consent.

The legal authority a state has to regulate conduct and enforce laws within its territory or over its nationals abroad.

Substantive jurisdiction is the authority of a court or tribunal to hear and decide cases concerning specific subject matters or legal issues.

Allows states to prosecute certain serious international crimes regardless of where they occurred or the nationality of perpetrators or victims.

Vessel flag state responsibilities include enforcing laws and safety regulations on ships registered under their jurisdiction on the high seas.

War crimes jurisdiction is the legal authority to prosecute individuals accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts.