What is sovereign immunity?

Sovereign immunity refers specifically to the legal principle that protects government officials and the state from being sued under certain conditions. This immunity is grounded in the idea that the state, as a sovereign entity, cannot be sued without its consent. However, this does not mean that government officials are immune from all liability or that the state cannot be held accountable at all; there are exceptions and specific circumstances under which lawsuits may be permissible. For instance, many jurisdictions provide avenues for citizens to sue the government in defined situations, often specified by statute or legislation.

The concept recognizes that government officials need to perform their duties without the constant threat of litigation, especially when acting within the scope of their official roles. This legal protection is balanced by the necessity for accountability and the provision of legal recourse in situations where rights are violated. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the nuanced nature of sovereign immunity as it relates to government officials and their actions in an official capacity.