Legal immunity from suit or liability (in civil litigation) or immunity from prosecution (in criminal prosecutions) is a legal status that protects an individual or entity from liability or criminal prosecution. Immunity may be given to the person or entity by law (usually a state or federal statute) or by the agreement of a party to the litigation (usually in the context of a criminal prosecution)—generally for some greater policy goal. Some common types of immunity include (1) judicial immunity; (2) witness immunity; (3) diplomatic immunity; and (4) governmental or sovereign immunity.

In Minnesota, legal immunity from suit or liability in civil litigation and from prosecution in criminal cases is recognized in various forms. Judicial immunity in MN provides judges and other court officials with protection from liability for acts performed in the exercise of their judicial functions. Witness immunity is often granted to witnesses to encourage truthful testimony without fear of subsequent prosecution based on that testimony; this can include both use and transactional immunity. Diplomatic immunity, governed by federal law and international treaties, shields foreign diplomats from civil and criminal liability under certain conditions. Governmental or sovereign immunity in Minnesota generally protects state and local government entities and their employees from being sued for performing their official duties, unless such immunity is waived by statute or the government consents to the suit. Specific statutes and case law define the scope and limitations of these immunities within the state.