In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Consular Relations

  • Introduction
  • Reference Works
  • Treatises
  • General Issues in Consular Law
  • Consular Functions
  • Commentaries
  • Consular Status
  • Consular Practice in Particular Territories
  • Consular Protection of Detained Sending-State Nationals
  • Consular Access as a Human Right
  • Paraguay v. USA
  • LaGrand Case
  • Avena Case
  • Withdrawal from Vienna Convention Optional Protocol

International Law Consular Relations
by
John Quigley
  • LAST REVIEWED: 25 October 2017
  • LAST MODIFIED: 25 October 2017
  • DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199796953-0014

Introduction

Rights and duties of states as they send and receive consular representatives is the subject matter of the field of consular relations. The law relating to consular relations governs the process for accreditation of consular representatives, the obligations of the receiving state to facilitate consular functions, immunities enjoyed by the sending state for the premises it uses and the functions in which it engages, and immunities enjoyed by consular representatives. This body of law also relates to individual nationals of sending states because consuls perform functions relating to the activities of their nationals in the territory of the receiving state; for example, marriage, the administration of estates, and criminal arrest and prosecution. The law on consular relations is found in customary international law, based on practice extending back a number of centuries. To a large extent, that customary law has been codified in a multilateral treaty that enjoys wide adherence, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963). In addition, many states conclude treaties bilaterally with other states to provide for the specifics of the consular relations they desire. In Europe the states of the European Union (EU) have consolidated their consular efforts to a certain degree. Consular law is given mention in many general treatises on international law. While much helpful information can be found in such general treatises, they are too numerous for inclusion here.

Reference Works

There is no bibliography on consular relations, nor is there any encyclopedic work on the topic. However, several publications are helpful in finding current materials or in providing a guide to terminology. Maresca 1991 gives guidance on the basic terminology of consular relations; the Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law gives a basic account of the major subissues in consular relations, whereas Public International Law: A Current Bibliography of Books and Articles keeps one up to date on new literature in the field.

  • Maresca, Adolfo. Dizionario giuridico diplomático. Milan: Giuffrè, 1991.

    In the format of an encyclopedia, despite the title “dictionary.” Its entries explain terms used in diplomatic relations, including many used in consular relations.

  • Public International Law: A Current Bibliography of Books and Articles. 1975–.

    Published twice a year. Most issues contain a subsection titled “Consular Relations” that lists recent books and articles.

  • Wolfrum, Rüdiger, ed. Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law.

    Contains entries titled “Consular Functions,” “Consular Jurisdiction,” “Consular Treaties,” and “Consuls.” Available online by subscription.

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