Governmental immunity, also known as sovereign immunity, is a legal doctrine that shields government entities and officials from lawsuits or legal liability for actions taken within their official capacity. This immunity is based on the principle that the government cannot be sued without its consent, protecting it from being burdened by lawsuits that could interfere with its ability to perform essential functions. Governmental immunity varies between jurisdictions and may have exceptions, such as instances of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. While this doctrine limits individuals’ ability to sue the government, it also serves to ensure governmental stability and efficiency.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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