Act of State
/ˈækt ʌv steɪt/
Definitions
- (n.) A doctrine preventing courts in one country from questioning the validity of public acts performed by a recognized foreign sovereign within its own territory.
The court invoked the act of state doctrine to dismiss the lawsuit against a foreign government.
Forms
- act of state
- acts of state
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The act of state doctrine is a principle rooted in international comity, limiting judicial interference in foreign sovereignty acts; careful drafting distinguishes it from sovereign immunity, which protects from suit outright.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.