Which term describes immunity that protects diplomats from criminal prosecution?

• A. Consular Notification
• B. Congressional Immunity
• C. Diplomatic Immunity
• D. Vienna Convention

Answer: (C)

Diplomatic immunity is the protection that shields diplomats from criminal prosecution in the host country. This privilege is essential so that diplomats can carry out their duties without fear of arrest or harassment by the receiving state. The rules are laid out in international law, most notably the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which codifies immunities such as exemption from host-nation jurisdiction and inviolability of the diplomat and their official premises. While the sending state can sometimes waive immunity or request recall, the purpose is to maintain secure and free communication between states, not to grant blanket impunity. The other terms don’t describe this protection: consular notification is about informing the sending state when a consular officer is arrested; Congressional Immunity relates to protections for legislators within a country; and the Vienna Convention is the treaty that establishes diplomatic immunities, not the immunity itself.