Select your state

Civil litigation

act of state doctrine

The act of state doctrine is a court-made (common law) doctrine that prohibits U.S. courts from judging the validity of the official acts of a foreign country that take place within that foreign country's borders.

In Connecticut, as in other U.S. states, the act of state doctrine is recognized as a principle of federal common law, which means it is not typically codified in state statutes but rather arises from case law. This doctrine holds that U.S. courts will generally refrain from evaluating the legality of governmental actions taken by a foreign sovereign within its own territory. The rationale behind this doctrine is to respect the sovereignty of foreign nations and to avoid conflicts in foreign relations that could arise from the judicial assessment of such actions. While the act of state doctrine is a federal doctrine, it applies to both federal and state courts, including those in Connecticut. However, the doctrine is not absolute and may be subject to certain exceptions, such as when a specific statute or treaty indicates that U.S. courts should review the foreign state's actions, or when the foreign state's actions are in violation of international law.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

For about 82¢ a day you can have a LegalFix Legal Plan that includes initial consultations with an attorney at no additional charge—and additional legal services at reduced rates—all from top law firms in your state. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges, starting today.

And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group to offer LegalFix for even better pricing.

Civil litigation

act of state doctrine

As a LegalFix Member You Will Be an Important Client of Local Law Firms

Articles

Connecticut State Code

Connecticut State Code

Civil litigation

act of state doctrine

Articles