International Law
Sovereign immunity is available to countries in international court. But if they are acting more as a contracting body (example: making agreements in regards to extracting oil and selling it), then sovereign immunity may not be available to them.
Under international law, and subject to some conditions, countries are immune from legal proceedings in another state. This stems from customary international law. The US recognizes this concept under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (1976).
However on 3 February 2012 International Court of Justice ruled that ius cogens relating to international humanitarian law prevails confronting sovereign immunity in Case Germany v. Italy, Greece.
Read more about this topic: Sovereign Immunity
Famous quotes containing the word law:
“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
—Bible: New Testament, Galatians 2:19-20.