Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
1961-04-18
1972-11-13
Summary
The Vienna Convention codifies the rules of diplomatic law, including diplomatic immunity, the inviolability of diplomatic premises and correspondence, and the privileges and obligations of diplomatic missions. It establishes that diplomatic agents are immune from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state and, with limited exceptions, from civil jurisdiction.
Parties
U.S. Implementing Legislation
Diplomatic Relations Act of 1978
22 U.S.C. §§ 254a–254e
Implements the Vienna Convention as the sole basis for diplomatic immunity in U.S. law, replacing prior common law doctrines.
Key Cases
Republic of Austria v. Altmann, 541 U.S. 677 (2004) — Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act applies retroactively
Permanent Mission of India v. City of New York, 551 U.S. 193 (2007) — Diplomatic properties not immune from in rem tax liens