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Fwiw (and this is meant to be strictly factual, not a political statement) this is pretty normal in European democracies. Take e.g. Poland where actually both
by cube2222 2y ago
Fwiw (and this is meant to be strictly factual, not a political statement) this is pretty normal in European democracies.
Take e.g. Poland where actually both the president as well as all members of the parliament (corresponds to your congressmen in congress) have immunity by default (members of the parliament have the "for official acts" qualifier, but from what I could find the president does not even have that qualifier). The immunity can however be taken away by a vote of parliament.
Hits the news every now and then when somebodies immunity is taken away after they've been caught drunk driving.
Same for e.g. Germany and France, based on a quick google.
- OJFord 2y agoThat's interesting, thanks. I suppose the key then is the removal of it retroactively, and actually practicing that sensibly (like your drunk-driving example). In the US, not having a parliament in the same way, I suppose what's missing (unless it isn't?) is for the congress/senate to be able to take it away in that way. I'm not at all familiar enough with their set up to know if that would be a completely wild precedent ('president is supposed to be supreme to them' etc.) though.