ABSTRACT
The Diplomatic Relations Act supersedes the 1790 Statute on diplomatic immunity and incorporates the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention into United States law. It was passed on September 30, 1978. The Act arose in response to perceived abuse of diplomatic immunity to the detriment of the United States. The Act attempts to remedy this situation, in part, by holding diplomats subject to civil suit for acts performed in their private capacity, and by further restricting the scope of diplomatic immunity provided to diplomats' families. The Mandatory Liability Insurance provision requires all diplomatic personnel to obtain liability insurance for risks arising from the operation of any motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft in the United States, thus allowing United States citizens to bring suit against a diplomat's insurers without violating the diplomat's immunity.
