Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act

/ˈfɔrən ˈsɑvrɪn ɪˌmjunɪtiz ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A U.S. statute that provides the rules for when foreign states are immune from lawsuits in U.S. courts and the exceptions to that immunity.
    The Supreme Court clarified the application of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act in determining jurisdiction over foreign states.

Forms

  • foreign sovereign immunities act

Commentary

Commonly abbreviated as FSIA, this statute balances respect for foreign sovereignty with the rights of individuals to seek legal recourse in U.S. courts.

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.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app
Amicus Docs | Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act Definition