Tensions between Eastern and Western Bloc states, hostile behaviour against diplomatic agents and premises possibly not only accelerated the adoption of Vienna Conventions but also shaped them. Instead of being tried before an English court, Mendoza was expelled from the country with the idea that his sovereign should determine the verdict about his deed.Įvents in early twentieth century and, later, during the Cold War period paved the way to the adoption of internationally binding rules concerning the protection of diplomatic agents. This was evident in the case of Bernadino de Mendoza, who took part in a plot against Queen Elizabeth I in England where he served as ambassador of Spain.
Diplomatic immunity laws code#
Middle Age Europe marked the institutionalization of religion-based practice and the code of conduct with foreign envoys crystallized into principles. In the medieval Arab world, similarly, life or death of an envoy was up to the Caliph’s blessing. The church determined foreign representatives’ fates. Until the medieval ages, protection of foreign envoys was established through religious commands. Vienna Conventions embody centuries old practices followed against foreign missions. Why are diplomats, no matter how sensitive their job, conferred almost limitless immunity from law? The answer goes centuries back.
These protections are based mainly on the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, with the former regulating conduct with top diplomats such as embassy staff and the latter lower-rank diplomatic officials. This article is an effort to pull out international and national norms applicable to those working in diplomatic missions and by extension having diplomatic status.Īlthough the emergence of diplomatic protections stretches back to antiquity, they are largely codified into law in the modern era.
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