Should Latin America Abolish Immunity for Elected Officials?

Legal immunity for elected officials in Latin America is a prime example of a well-intended policy that has led to pernicious outcomes. Following the transition from authoritarian regimes, several young democracies in the region adopted mechanisms designed to protect legislators and members of the executive branch against political persecution. It made perfect sense, as in most cases dictators with enormous influence over judicial systems had been using their power to criminalize dissent. 

But over the years, legal immunity became a shield guaranteeing impunity for the political...

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