Extraterritoriality << EHKS truh `tehr` uh tawr ee AL uh tee >> is a legal term for the privilege granted to ambassadors, ministers, and other diplomatic agents living in foreign countries. It allows them to remain under the authority of the laws of their own land. They cannot be arrested for breaking laws of countries to which they are sent. But if they do break local laws, their governments may be asked to recall them. International conventions and treaties govern the treatment of diplomatic agents and the space occupied by embassies, legations, and consulates in foreign countries. See also Diplomacy.
