Act of State Doctrine
/ˈakt əv steɪt ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A principle in international law barring domestic courts from examining the validity of public acts committed by a recognized foreign sovereign within its own territory.
The court dismissed the case under the act of state doctrine, respecting the foreign government's sovereign acts.
Forms
- act of state doctrine
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often invoked to avoid conflicts between domestic judicial decisions and foreign sovereign acts, this doctrine reflects principles of international comity and respect for sovereignty.
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.