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Consular Officer's Amenability As Witness, Stephen J. Werber

Cleveland State Law Review

Contrary to the extensive immunities granted to members of the diplomatic service, members of consular posts are given only limited privileges and immunities. The existence and limitation of consular immunities arise by virtue of the office. Thus the consular officer can be called upon to testify in both civil and criminal matters under common law, international law, and treaty provision. In the absence of a treaty, consuls are generally exempt from giving testimony relating to matters acquired within the scope of their official duties or as to material contained in the consular archives. The purpose of this paper is to …