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Simple English definitions for legal terms
comitas gentium
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A quick definition of comitas gentium:
Comitas gentium, also known as comity, is a practice among different political entities, such as nations or states, where they mutually recognize each other's legislative, executive, and judicial acts. It involves considering international duty and convenience, as well as the rights of their own citizens or other individuals under their protection. It is not an absolute obligation, but rather a recognition of the acts of another entity. In simpler terms, it is like being polite and respectful to others, even if they are different from us.
A more thorough explanation:
Comitas gentium, also known as comity, refers to a practice among political entities such as nations, states, or courts of different jurisdictions. It involves mutual recognition of legislative, executive, and judicial acts. This recognition is given with due regard to international duty and convenience, and to the rights of its own citizens or other persons who are under the protection of its laws.
For example, if a person is convicted of a crime in one country and flees to another country, the second country may recognize the conviction and extradite the person back to the first country to face punishment. This is an example of comitas gentium in action.
It is important to note that comity is not a matter of absolute obligation, nor is it merely a matter of courtesy and good will. It is a recognition of the acts of another nation or entity, while still protecting the rights of its own citizens.