Extraterritorial

/ˌɛkstrəˌtɛrɪˈtɔːriəl/ adjective

Definition

Not subject to the laws or jurisdiction of a country because located outside its territory or protected by special legal status.

Etymology

From 'extra-' (outside) + 'territorial' (from Latin terra, land). This legal term developed in international law during the 17th-18th centuries to address diplomatic immunity and special zones.

Kelly Says

Embassy buildings are extraterritorial—they're physically in another country but legally belong to their home country, so they have their own rules and the local police can't just waltz in.

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