Sovereign legal definition. Supreme authority in a state.


  •  Sovereign legal definition. 1 The principle of sovereignty, ie of supreme authority within a territory, is a pivotal principle of modern international law. It involves authority over all others within its field of operation, and the absence of any other superior authority in that same field. This concept is fundamental in international law, as it establishes the legal foundation for a state’s right to exist and operate, shaping how states interact and recognize each other's autonomy. What does State sovereignty mean in law? Definition of Sovereignity in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. Definition OF Sovereign: (i) Bodin’s definition: “The absolute and perpetual power within a state is Parliamentary sovereignty Parliamentary sovereignty, also called parliamentary supremacy or legislative supremacy, is a concept in the constitutional law of some parliamentary democracies. The territory came under the sovereignty of the federal government. 2. (q. Sovereign explained. What does Sovereign power mean in law? The legal protection that prevents a sovereign state or person from being sued without consent. Review the acts and waivers of Dec 28, 2024 · State sovereignty is a fundamental principle in constitutional law, embodying the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. ” Nov 21, 2023 · Learn the legal definition of immunity and understand the background of the doctrine of sovereign immunity. In its international dimension, sovereignty is the right of a state to rule itself and those who live within its territory; to choose its own constitution, form of government, and economic Dual sovereignty refers to the coexistence of both state and federal governments, each with their own distinct powers and responsibilities. Sovereignty explained. Define sovereign. Aug 5, 2025 · A sovereign nation is a fundamental concept in the global political landscape, representing an independent entity with supreme authority over its territory and people. Definition of Sovereign territory in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. This right is distinct from proprietary rights, which can be held by private individuals. Definition of Sovereign in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. Although sovereign immunity and governmental immunity are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference Dec 9, 2023 · Sovereignty is a complex concept in political theory and international law, representing the ultimate authority within a specific territory. 1. When used in court, it functions as defamation per se, particularly when invoked by judges, attorneys, or officers under color of law. This principle forms the bedrock of the international system, shaping how states interact and maintain order. [3][4][5] A sovereign state is required to have a permanent population, defined territory, a government not under another Definition of National sovereignty in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. 1 Without these two concepts there would be no international law at all, for the core of it is the law between sovereign states, which has been created by the states for themselves. Supreme authority in a state. ) have a state of their own; whereas others (the Kurds, the Tibetans . [1] It is commonly understood that a sovereign state is independent. Definitions of "sovereign" A person or a political unit, such as a nation or state, that possesses ultimate authority Being the one that holds the highest amount of power or control Having independence or freedom from external control Pertaining to or resembling the qualities of a supreme ruler or monarch How to use "sovereign" in a sentence The sovereign state has the power to make its own Sep 22, 2025 · Sovereignty, in political theory, the ultimate overseer, or authority, in the decision-making process of the state. The state is the political institution in Feb 7, 2006 · Definition Sovereignty is an abstract legal concept. Definition of Sovereign nations in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. Sovereignty The supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable power by which an independent state is governed and from which all specific political powers are derived; the intentional independence of a state, combined with the right and power of regulating its internal affairs without foreign interference. Provide Feedback Browse Our Legal Dictionary # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Defining Sovereignty There is no single internationally recognized definition of sovereignty. What is Sovereign? Meaning of Sovereign as a legal term. Understanding the concept of sovereignty requires delving into its definition, historical evolution, and contemporary significance. For a person individually to be immune to suit, they must be acting as an arm of the government. What does Sovereign nation mean in law? Jul 7, 2025 · In legal and public discourse, “sovereign citizen” has become a catch-all term suggesting criminality, extremism, or anti-government views. 2 To put . law. It also has non-legal (political, social and economic) implications. What does National sovereignty mean in law? A sovereign right refers to a legal right possessed by state or its agencies and enables a state to carry out its official functions for the benefit of public. Members often refuse to hold social security cards or driver's licenses and avoid using zip codes. Sovereignty is a characteristic feature of independent nations. A chief ruler with supreme power; one possessing sovereignty. courts view their legal defense Jan 20, 2025 · Explore the concept of sovereign rights, focusing on jurisdiction, resource control, diplomacy, and legal immunity within domestic and international contexts. Oct 20, 2020 · External Sovereignty:- Strictly speaking, sovereignty is an internal power that is, power over all persons and things, subject to such exceptions as the state may admit, within its own territorial limits. Map of the contiguous United States with reservation lands excluded as of 2003 Reservation lands in the contiguous United States as of 2019 Tribal sovereignty in the United States is the concept of the inherent authority of Indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States. Understanding what constitutes a sovereign nation is crucial for comprehending international law and diplomacy, as it Explore the legal definition of Sovereign Citizen and learn about its origins, beliefs, and implications in today's society. Many writers, however, especially those on international law, distinguished between internal sovereignty and external sovereignty. What does Sovereign mean in law? Jan 27, 2025 · Sovereign power is a fundamental concept in legal and political systems worldwide, shaping how states govern and interact with other entities. In every State there must be some authority […] Oct 28, 2025 · N. Such a power is generally well-defined, constitutionally speaking, and often involves a separation of making the laws and enforcing the laws. [5] In political theory, sovereignty is a substantive term designating supreme Sovereign citizen movement The sovereign citizen movement (SovCits) [1][2] is a loose group of anti-government activists, conspiracy theorists, vexatious litigants, tax protesters and financial scammers found mainly in English-speaking common law countries—the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine whereby a sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution, strictly speaking in modern texts in its own courts. Bodin views it as supreme power over citizens, while Grotius sees it as the supreme political power unsubjected to others. 2 Most of the other, if not all institutions and principles of international law rely, directly or Sovereignty Law and Legal Definition Sovereignty refers to having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. Why is sovereign immunity important? Sovereign immunity is important because it establishes the legal boundaries within which governments can be held accountable. In the context of law, sovereignty has significant implications for both domestic and international legal systems. Sovereign citizens believe they are not under the jurisdiction of the federal government and consider themselves exempt from U. The way sovereignty works can be different depending on the system of government and who holds the power. The ongoing debates surrounding its relationship with human rights and environmental law further complicate this enduring concept, highlighting its relevance in contemporary legal discourse. Sovereign rights are granted through the authority of law and are essential for the Sep 6, 2019 · By its definition sovereignty is a legal concept, and there can be but one legal sovereignty in the state. Historically rooted in the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the Jun 27, 2024 · Definition: Sovereign Immunity is a legal doctrine that prevents the government or its political subdivisions, departments, and agencies from being sued without their consent. Definition Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects governments and their subdivisions from being sued without their consent. What is National sovereignty? Meaning of National sovereignty as a legal term. 1, 78 P. Apr 23, 2025 · What is a sovereign citizen? Definitions, license plates, arrests and more Learn what a sovereign citizen is, how they use fake license plates, whether they can be arrested and how U. Definition Legal sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority within a territory to make laws and enforce them. The sovereignty of the State may further be looked at from two points of view: legal and political. It examines the implications of these distinctions for the exercise of state authority and the complex interplay between legal norms and political power. A king, queen, or other noble person who Definition of Sovereign right in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. In the United States the sovereignty resides in the body of the people. 282. It forms the basis for determining the rights and responsibilities of states in their interactions with one another. In any state sovereignty is vested in the institution, person, or body having the ultimate authority to impose law on everyone else in the state and the power to alter any pre-existing law. A right that a state possesess which allows it to act for the benefit of all of its citizens as it sees fit. In modern democracies, sovereign power rests with the people and is exercised through representative bodies such as Congress or Parliament. It means that a government has the power to make laws, enforce rules, and manage its affairs without interference from other countries. Jul 8, 2020 · Knowing how sovereign immunity came to be can help keep the public informed on their legal rights and what a government actor can or cannot do. STATE Black's Law Dictionary, Fourth Edition Sovereign Right: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning Definition & meaning A sovereign right is a legal authority that a state or its agencies possess, enabling them to perform official functions for the public good. The possession of sovereign power; supreme political authority; paramount control of the constitution and frame of government and Its administration ; the Sovereignty: The Cornerstone of Legal Authority and Independence Definition & meaning Sovereignty is the concept of having the highest and independent authority over a specific geographic area, such as a country or territory. Inst. Definition of Sovereignty At its Aug 16, 2025 · Understand state sovereignty: A legal explanation of its fundamental nature, how states wield authority, and its role in global governance. This strictly legal meaning is different from more popular usages. What is State sovereignty? Meaning of State sovereignty as a legal term. What does Sovereign territory mean in law? Get the Sovereign legal definition, cases associated with Sovereign, and legal term concepts defined by real attorneys. In strictly legal terms, it describes the supreme power or authority of the state. In a monarchy, supreme power resides in the sovereign, such as a king or queen. It is the legal right to govern a particular area and its inhabitants. Sep 6, 2020 · Sovereignty is an important idea in political science that refers to the highest authority of a country to govern itself. It holds that the legislative body has absolute sovereignty and is supreme over all other government institutions, including executive or judicial bodies. A sovereign state has the authority to govern itself, which includes making laws, collecting taxes, and managing its own resources. Sovereign Citizen is a person who claims to be above the law, with his own interpretation of the law. (ii) In its popular sense: The term sovereignty means supremacy or the right to demand obedience. What is Sovereign right? Meaning of Sovereign right as a legal term. Sovereign State Law and Legal Definition A sovereign state refers to a state that possesses full sovereignty over its affairs, existence, and territory. For instance, local municipality and city governments generally enjoy some sort of immunity in tort lawsuits. S. Sep 20, 2024 · 9 things to prepare for when encountering sovereign citizens Sovereign citizens fancy themselves outside of the laws of the land and don’t recognize the legitimacy of the U. In many countries the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of Find the legal definition of SOVEREIGN from Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition. Definition of Sovereign power in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. It is the supreme and independent power or authority in government as possessed or claimed by a state or community. The difficulties here can be traced to Bodin’s statement that sovereigns who make the laws cannot be bound by the laws they make (majestas est summa in cives ac subditos Definition of State sovereignty in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. Sovereign Immunity Law and Legal Definition Sovereign immunity traces its origins from early English law. Jan 11, 2025 · The Legal Foundations of National Sovereignty National sovereignty, a cornerstone of international law and political organization, refers to the inherent authority of a state to govern itself free from external interference. This principle is rooted in the idea that the state cannot commit a legal wrong and is therefore immune from civil suits or criminal prosecution. Jun 2, 2023 · Sovereignty is a cornerstone principle in international law that establishes the authority and autonomy of states. The sovereign people have the authority to define who can vote and to set limits Oct 24, 2022 · Legal expert explains what a 'sovereign citizen' is and why the argument doesn't stand in court Adriana Daniel Oct 24, 2022 Updated Oct 24, 2022 0 By Tom Lally Apr 4, 2025 · Sovereign immunity applies to the state itself, as well as its agencies and instrumentalities, and is rooted in international law and constitutional principles. It helps maintain the balance of power between citizens and the government, ensuring that governmental functions A sovereign state is a state that has the highest authority over a territory. 2d 982, 986. [1][2][3] Sovereignty entails hierarchy within a state as well as external autonomy for states. Jun 21, 2024 · The term sovereignty means supreme dominion, authority, or rule. What is Sovereign nations? Meaning of Sovereign nations as a legal term. This framework allows both levels of government to operate independently within their respective spheres, leading to a complex relationship that can result in overlapping jurisdictions and conflicts, particularly in matters of law and regulation. Sovereign Immunity means the government is immune from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution. It signifies the power of a state or community to govern itself without interference from external sources. It involves the power to make decisions, implement policies, and maintain order Sovereign immunity is a common law doctrine under which a sovereign (e. This authority encompasses the ability to make laws, enforce Nov 7, 2018 · Sovereign Citizen defined and explained with examples. (iii) According to Black’s Law Dictionary: The term sovereignty means the supreme political authority of an independent State. Understanding the types of Get the Sovereignty legal definition, cases associated with Sovereignty, and legal term concepts defined by real attorneys. n. the name that is given to the whole citizenry who elect their representatives and public officers amend live within a sovereign state. In English law. It serves as the ultimate authority within a territory, influencing legislation, law enforcement, and international relations. Common-law court Pseudo-legal courts set up to hear matters concerning sovereign citizens, sometimes also called “freemen. Sovereign immunity is a judicial doctrine that prevents the government or its political subdivisions, departments, and agencies from being sued without its consent. Sovereign right is distinct from certain proprietary rights because those proprietary rights may be possessed by private persons. This power is typically exercised through representatives that the people elect. What is Sovereign nation? Meaning of Sovereign nation as a legal term. FindLaw Legal Dictionary The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Blackstone describes it as absolute, irresistible authority, and Willoughby calls it the supreme will of the state. Jan 4, 2023 · This section distinguishes between legal sovereignty, defined by law, and political sovereignty, characterized by actual power dynamics. How to use sovereignty in a sentence. 1 Jun 30, 2022 · Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine holding that the government cannot be sued without its consent. net In legal documents, the concept of sovereignty often comes into play when discussing the rights and responsibilities of governments. At a different level, they may severely burden the courts and other government offices with the filing of hundreds and hundreds of pages of nonsensical documents. For example, one could argue that the Canada-United States free trade Sovereignty in Law Enforcement Main Entry: Law Enforcement in the Legal Dictionary. In its simplest form, sovereignty can be understood as supreme authority or power. Sovereignty is closely Nov 21, 2023 · Legal sovereignty refers to the highest legal power. Sovereignty can generally be defined as supreme authority. This section provides, in the context of Law Enforcement, a partial definition of sovereignty. Aug 1, 2010 · For example, a “citizen” is a sovereign citizen imbued with all natural rights, whereas a “Citizen” is a 14th Amendment citizen subject to the rules and regulations of government. State immunity is a similar, stronger doctrine, that applies to foreign courts. The concept of sovereignty remains an important part of federal Indian law impacting gaming, fishing, state and local regulation, criminal law, tribal land claims, immunity from lawsuits, and much more. sovereign synonyms, sovereign pronunciation, sovereign translation, English dictionary definition of sovereign. Sovereignty is a concept used predominantly in the domestic Mar 15, 2019 · Sovereign Immunity defined and explained with examples. ) It is also applied to a king or other magistrate with limited powers. What does Sovereignity mean in law? Definition of Sovereign nation in the Legal Dictionary - by Free online English dictionary and encyclopedia. It is complete in itself. Its complexities and evolving interpretations continue to influence the structure and function of legal systems worldwide. Sovereign immunity in the United States was derived from the British common law, which was based on the idea that the King could do no wrong. . The five different kinds of sovereignty are as follows: (1) Nominal arid Real Sovereignty (2) Legal Sovereignty (3) Political Sovereignty (4) Popular Sovereignty (5) Deo Facto and De Jure Sovereignty. Governmental Immunity is sometimes known as sovereign immunity, which in the United States, the federal, state, and tribal governments enjoy when it comes to lawsuits. What is Sovereignity? Meaning of Sovereignity as a legal term. Historical variants can be understood along three dimensions — the holder of sovereignty, the absoluteness of sovereignty, and the internal and external dimensions of sovereignty. [4] In any state, sovereignty is assigned to the person, body or institution that has the ultimate authority over other people and to change existing laws. Sovereignty is supreme authority. Sovereign Citizen Law and Legal Definition Sovereign citizen is a term used to refer to a political movement which grew out of a belief in government abuses of power. The word which by itself comes nearest to being the definition of "sovereignty" is will or volition as applied to political affairs. A gold coin of Great Britain, of the value of a pound sterling. On the other hand, political sovereignty is the ability of a government to exercise authority over its territory and population. INTRODUCTION The concept of sovereignty and the concept of state are two fundamental pillars upon which the entire architecture of contemporary international law, including its theories and practices, rests. g. At its core, sovereignty refers to the entity that holds the highest power within a "Sovereignty" published on by Oxford University Press. See full list on legaldictionary. What does Sovereign right mean in law? Jun 16, 2025 · What is sovereign immunity? Discover how this legal concept protects governments and when exceptions apply. They wielded absolute power and their senates and parliaments were quite powerless Dec 5, 2023 · Sovereignty has been defined by various scholars, highlighting its core attributes. Aug 28, 2024 · Understanding sovereignty requires an examination of its types and implications for nation-states, particularly regarding territorial integrity and international relations. How to use sovereign in a sentence. v. A sovereign state is recognized as being legitimate nation by the other major nations in the world. It is essentially a legal construct, rather than one reflecting the possession of power and authority in practice (sometimes referred to as political sovereignty). Mar 1, 2017 · But the Supreme Court continues to struggle to define the doctrine of American Indian tribal sovereignty. The country fought hard to gain sovereignty from its colonial masters. government Legal Terms Dictionary sovereignty - Meaning in Law and Legal Documents, Examples and FAQs Sovereignty means a country's independence and ability to govern itself without outside interference. , a federal or state government) cannot be sued without its consent. Despite the manifest historical contingencies involved, once statehood is generally recognised – evidenced most obviously by admission to the United Nations A person, body, or state in which independent and supreme authority is vested; a chief ruler with supreme power; a king or other ruler in a monarchy. Sovereignty is the power of a state to do everything necessary to govern itself, such as making The meaning of SOVEREIGN is one possessing or held to possess supreme political power or sovereignty. Major characteristics of a sovereign state are: Jan 9, 2024 · Sovereignty refers to the absolute and unlimited power of a state within its territorial boundaries, encompassing both supreme legal authority and unchallenged political power. Although the term was originally understood to mean the equivalent of supreme power, its application in practice often has departed from this traditional meaning. However, the entry pertains to international law and international law theory only, and is not concerned with the distinct albeit connected sovereignty issues that arise within international relations theory or political theory more generally except to explain some of the political dimensions of the principle of sovereignty in international law. Are there exemptions to sovereign immunity? Sep 22, 2025 · Sovereignty - International Law, State Authority, Autonomy: Although the doctrine of sovereignty has had an important impact on developments within states, its greatest influence has been in the relations between states. 🛡️ Dual-Sovereignty Doctrine Law and Legal Definition Dual-Sovereignty Doctrine refers to a legal principle that more than one sovereign may prosecute an individual without violating the prohibition against double jeopardy if the individual's act breaks the laws of each sovereignty. May 31, 2003 · Sovereignty, though its meanings have varied across history, also has a core meaning, supreme authority within a territory. Cochise County, 52 Ariz. At their most harmless, sovereign citizens are cranks who talk what seems like gibberish to cops and magistrates and judges and then become law abiding when they face real legal trouble. Internal sovereignty pertains to the distribution of power within the state, while external sovereignty relates to the state's role in the international system. Rooted in legal, philosophical, and historical traditions, sovereignty has evolved as a dynamic and contested concept that balances the rights of states against the Sovereignty is a concept notoriously difficult of definition but, in essence, under international law it is a power and right, recognized or effectively asserted in respect of a defined part of the globe, to govern in respect of that part to the exclusion of nations or states or peoples occupying other parts of the globe. City of Bisbee v. How and by whom the authority is exercised varies according to the political nature of the state. It is a modern notion of political authority. Simple, clear, and easy to understand. Generally, it is the doctrine that the sovereign or government cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution. Find the legal definition of SOVEREIGNTY from Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition. What is Sovereign territory? Meaning of Sovereign territory as a legal term. A chief ruler with supreme power; a king or other ruler with limited power. In normal language you would also say " independence " instead of " sovereignty " Nov 14, 2024 · Sovereignty is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved and taken on different meanings over time. (1) Nominal arid Real Sovereignty: In ancient times many states had monarchies and their rulers were monarchs. ) do not. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries. Legal sovereignty is the conception of sovereignty in terms of law, and it refers to that person or body of persons who, by law, have the power to issue final commands. One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other governmental unit, as: a. Sovereign right is attributed through authority of law. Vide Rutherf. Jul 2, 2024 · Legal sovereignty remains a fundamental concept within legal philosophy, shaping the understanding of authority and legitimacy in law. What is Sovereign power? Meaning of Sovereign power as a legal term. What counts as sovereignty depends on the nature and structure of the international legal order and vice-versa. Definition Sovereignty is the supreme authority within a territory, granting a state the power to govern itself and make decisions independently from external interference. SOVEREIGN SOVEREIGN. Discover more now! The meaning of SOVEREIGNTY is supreme power especially over a body politic. These definitions collectively stress the notions of supreme, uncontested Jun 14, 2024 · Explore the intricate concept of sovereignty in law, examining its role in legal frameworks, challenges, and implications for domestic and international realms. It represents the highest source of the law. This concept is crucial for understanding the legal and political frameworks that underpin nation-states. What does Sovereign nations mean in law? ‘Sovereignty’ as a distinctive attribute of the state Chapter 4 explored the question how it is that various peoples (the Lithuanians, the Thais . federal government recognized American Indian tribes as independent nations and Find the legal definition of SOVEREIGN RIGHT from Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition. For the purpose of human rights, sovereignty may be defined from both international and domestic perspectives. Sovereignty means the State 's supreme or total powers, which can be exercised in the name of the body politic or the peopled To anticipate a more detailed discussion in chapter 3, it corresponds most specifically to the state's necessary functions in kind, that is, legal and coercive. Sovereign Power Synonym Discussion of Sovereign. The U. sovereignty Sovereignty is a political concept that refers to a dominant power or supreme authority. Sovereign People: The Foundation of Political Authority and Power Definition & meaning The term "sovereign people" refers to a political group made up of citizens and qualified voters who hold the ultimate power in a political system. [2] When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may also refer to a constituent country, or a dependent territory. The de jure sovereignty alone is sovereign in this sense, and the so called de facto sovereignty does not become sovereignty until it becomes de jure. See also clipped sovereignty sovereignty @ sovereign immunity A judicial doctrine which… Find the legal definition of SOVEREIGN PEOPLE from Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition. 2wecg lptu 4r s7pz nx9m0l u3pa ug hsvy yf2 bog430
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