Rules of diplomatic immunity, which nowadays are enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, play an important role in interstate diplomacy because they ensure the efficient performance of diplomatic functions. This thesis investigates a particular form of diplomatic immunity - diplomatic immunity ratione materiae. Unlike diplomatic immunity ratione personae, which pertains to the personal status of a diplomatic agent, diplomatic immunity ratione materiae depends in essence on the official nature of a particular act In practice, however, the determination of diplomatic immunity ratione materiae may meet with many conceptual and practical difficulties. For one, it is not always easy to distinguish the official acts of a diplomatic agent, who represents the sending State in the receiving State, from his or her private acts. In case of disagreement between the two States, questions may also arise as to who has the authority to make a final determination. The Vienna Convention does not offer much guidance on these issues; on the contrary, the Convention complicates them by employing, without adequate explanation, distinct formulas for different kinds of diplomatic immunity ratione materiae. This thesis examines these formulas in detail. On a general level, it is submitted that diplomatic immunity ratione materiae for certain types of activity constitutes not only a procedural bar to court proceedings but also a substantive exemption of individual responsibility. More specifically, it is argued that each formula must be understood in the light of the rationale behind immunity, the type of immunity concerned, and the specific functions or duties performed. In case of controversy, weight should be given to the opinion of the sending State, although the authority to make a decision lies ultimately with the court of the receiving State.

Cette thèse a pour objet l'étude des immunités des diplomates et des représentants des puissances étrangères en droit pénal. La thèse se divise en deux parties:La première partie est consacrée à l'environnement juridique des immunités. Sont exposés successivement: les fondements, la nature juridique, les sources et les attributs des immunités.La seconde partie traite du régime juridique des immunités. Sont abordés: le régime substantiel et le régime procédural.Ce travail montre la diversité des analyses autour de la notion d'immunité diplomatique qui couvre à la fois les immunités des diplomates, consulaires et représentants des États étrangers et démontre la nécessité de concilier, d'une part, la protection conférée par ces immunités et, d'autre part, les droits fondamentaux de la victime d'un acte couvert par une immunité. / This dissertation studies the immunities of diplomats and representatives of foreign authorities in criminal law . The dissertation is divided in to tow parts :The first part is devoted to legal environment of immunity .That was exposed in succession :the foundations ,the legal nature ,sources and attributes of immunities .The second part discusses the legal system of immunity .Are discussed :the substantial and procedural regime of immunity .This work shows the diversity of analysis around the concept of diplomats ,consular, and representatives of foreign states and demonstrates the need to reconcile ,on the one hand ,the protection afforded by theses immunities and on the other hand ,the fundamental rights of the victim of an act covered by immunity.

This thesis aims at description and analyses of the position of diplomatic immunities and human rights in international law, focusing on areas where these two sets of international rules clash. One objective of this work is an attempt to establish a hierarchy between norms granting diplomatic immunities and those protecting fundamental human rights, which could possibly resolve the collision. This solution, however, narrows down to one of most general principles of diplomatic relations, the principal of reciprocity. Mentioned are also some alternative approaches suggested for resolution of this conflict together with the obstacles, which prevent them from use. The thesis further looks at possible remedies against abuse of diplomatic immunity.