The past 30 years have seen important legal developments in relation to the immunities and privileges enjoyed by the subjects of international law, not least the enactment in several jurisdictions of detailed legislation on these issues and important decisions of international and domestic courts. At the heart of these developments, claims by States and other persons acting under their authority to immunities and privileges before courts and tribunals are a continuing source of controversy (as evidenced, for example, by the decisions in Pinochet and Al-Adsani).

The editors have collected key materials, including international agreements and domestic legislation, concerning the immunities of states, governmental bodies, state owned entities and agents. Focusing on the pioneering legislation in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, this volume will provide detailed commentary on the application of immunities and privileges as well their practical significance for practitioners in both jurisdictions.