The author shows through a careful analysis of the law that restrictive immunity does not have vox populi in developing countries, and that it lacks usus. He also argues that forum law, i.e. the lex fori is a creature of sovereignty and between equals before the law, only what is understood and acknowledged as law among states must be applied in as much as the international legal system is horizontal.

This book offers a critical analysis of current challenges and developments of the State immunity regime through three dimensions: it looks at State immunity from a comparative perspective; it discusses the major trends relating to the interplay between State immunity and the protection of human rights as well as counter-terrorism; and it examines the relationship between State immunity and the financial obligations of States. Part I, Sovereign Immunity from a Comparative Perspective: Weak v. Strong Immunity Regimes, deals with the diversity of existing regimes of State immunity at the national level. This part aims to explore different approaches of particular states to sovereign immunity and their general attitude to international law, and attempts to understand why some States favour a weaker State immunity regime by multiplying exceptions or interpreting them broadly, while others continuously support a stronger one and sometimes rely on the doctrine of absolute immunity. Part II, International Customary Law of Sovereign Immunity, Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, highlights how human rights and counter-terrorism have shaped the law and practice of sovereign immunity. This part specifically discusses the role of national legislators and judges in the development of international law, emerging conflicts between national constitutional norms and the rules of international law concerning State immunity and human rights, and possible ways of their reconciliation. Part III, Sovereign Immunity of States and their Financial Obligations, contributes to on-going debates related to the mixed and complex nature of States’ financial obligations. In this part, authors elaborate on perceptions of the underlying public-private law divide, cross influences in public and private international law and their consequences for State immunity, as well as recent trends relating to immunity from execution.

The doctrine of state immunity bars national courts from adjudicating or enforcing claims against foreign states. This updated edition of this book provides a thorough analysis of the doctrine, explores high-profile cases, the UN Convention on the Jurisdictional Immunities of States, and provides comparative coverage of UK and US State practice.

The immunity or exemption enjoyed by States from legal proceedings before foreign national courts is a crucial area of international law. On the basis of an exhaustive analysis of judicial decisions, international treaties, national legislation, government statements, deliberations in international organisations as well as scholarly opinion, Xiaodong Yang traces the historical development of the relevant doctrine and practice, critically analyses the rationale for restrictive immunity and closely inspects such important exceptions to immunity as commercial transactions, contracts of employment, tortious liability, separate entities, the enforcement of judgments, waiver of immunity and the interplay between State immunity and human rights. The book draws a full picture of the law of State immunity as it currently stands and endeavours to provide useful information and guidance for practitioners, academics and students alike.

The law of immunity of states, of international organisations, and of public officials is one of the most important and most controversial topics of international law. The book consists of five parts: ‘State Immunity – National Practice’; State Immunity before the ICJ – The case Germany v Italy; ‘Commercial Activities and State Immunity’; ‘Immunity and Impunity’; and ‘Immunities of International Organisations’. Although immunities are in principle firmly anchored in international law, their precise legal implications are often unclear. The book takes up a number of new trends and challenges in this field and assesses them within the framework of global constitutionalism and multilevel governance. Contains chapters in both English and French.

This Research Handbook provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the international law of jurisdiction and immunities, illustrating those aspects in which the law of jurisdiction and law of immunities are mutually interdependent, as well as shedding light on the implications of that interdependence. With authoritative contributions from recognized experts, it offers an impartial perspective on the applicable international law, independent from any positions held in governmental or other institutional circles. Authoritative and well-structured, the book covers all major topics in relation to jurisdiction and immunities, such as conceptual justifications for jurisdiction and immunities, extra-territorial jurisdiction, types of available immunities, normative basis for jurisdiction and immunity claims in various types of judicial proceedings. It explores the complex questions arising when a state asserts its jurisdiction over persons that are based abroad, or are not that state’s citizens, or otherwise have no connection with that state, as well as how tensions are further heightened when one state tries to assert jurisdiction, in its own courts, over another state or an international organization such as the UN. This much-needed Handbook will appeal strongly to academic researchers and postgraduate students. Civil servants and employees of international organizations and NGOs will also find it an invaluable resource.

State immunity, the idea that a state, including its individual organs, officials and other emanations, may not be proceeded against in the courts of another state in certain instances, has long been and remains a source of international controversy. Although customary international law no longer recognizes the absolute immunity of states from foreign judicial process, the evolution of the contemporary notion of restrictive state immunity over the past fifty years has been an uncoordinated and contested process, leading to disputes between states. The adoption, in 2004, of the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property has significantly contributed to reaching consensus among states on this fundamental question of international law. This book provides article-by-article commentary on the text of the Convention, complemented by a small number of cross-cutting chapters highlighting general issues beyond the scope of any single provision, such as the theoretical underpinnings of state immunity, the distinction between immunity from suit and immunity from execution, the process leading to the adoption of the Convention, and the general understanding that the Convention does not extend to criminal matters. It presents a systematic analysis of the Convention, taking into account its drafting history, relevant state practice (including the considerable number of national statutes and judicial decisions on state immunity), and any international judicial or arbitral decisions on point.