Immunity refers to legal protection that exempts a person from liability, punishment, or legal action that would otherwise apply. Immunity can be granted in various contexts, including criminal and civil cases, administrative proceedings, and legislative inquiries. For example, see "immunity from prosecution"
The concept of immunity has its roots in the common law, but it has been codified in various statutes and legal codes. For example, the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause grants immunity to federal officials performing their official duties.
See also: Diplomatic immunity; Qualified Immunity; Sovereign immunity
[Last updated in February of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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