Foreign State

/ˈfɔːrɪn steɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A sovereign nation recognized under international law as having a distinct legal personality.
    The foreign state asserted its immunity from the jurisdiction of the domestic courts.
  2. (n.) In U.S. law, a government other than the United States and its subdivisions, often relevant in contexts such as sovereign immunity and foreign sovereign compacts.
    The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act governs lawsuits involving a foreign state.

Forms

  • foreign state
  • foreign states

Commentary

The term 'foreign state' is central in jurisdiction and immunity doctrines; precision is important to distinguish between the entity and its subdivisions or instrumentalities.

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