Immunity is exemption from prevailing rules. It gives persons, things, and places a privileged position involving rights of both freedom and authority.

1. The concept of immunity derives from Roman law. It related first to relief from various public burdens. Under Constantine (306–37) the clergy (Clergy and Laity) and church property enjoyed relief from taxation. In Frankish law immunity included judicial immunity as well as freedom from taxes and duties. Modern constitutions have added new forms such as parliamentary immunity. A common prac…