History
How Diplomatic Immunity Balances State Sovereignty and Accountability
Quick fact
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), diplomats accredited to a host state are immune from criminal prosecution and most civil suits in that host country. This immunity is almost absolute while they are in post, yet it can be waived by their home state.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a diplomat speeding through a red light, causing an accident. The police want answers, but the diplomat claims immunity. Who is above the law, and why?