Judicial Power and Ambassadors

                The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday comes from Article III, Section 2, Clause 1:  “The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases … affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls….”  This provision means that our Constitution will protect the rights of any high official of foreign government in any cases in which he/she is involved.

                “One of the most delicate relationships with foreign powers is the occasion when their ambassadors or various ministers become entangled in some irregularity or violation of the laws of the host state.  The diplomatic corps of any nation has always received the most courteous consideration on the highest levels of government in order to avoid any misunderstanding or strain between the two nations.

                “Experience has vindicated the Founders’ wisdom in setting up this procedure” (W. Cleon Skousen in The Making of America – The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution).