The State Immunity Act 1978 raises the question whether English courts may exercise adjudicatory power in disputes involving states. A review of Andrew Dickinson and Alexander Thompson’s book considers that question through the Act’s function at the intersection of public and private international law.
The review treats state immunity as more than an abstract issue of public international law, linking it to the courts’ ability to hear concrete disputes. It therefore clarifies the Act’s bearing on whether English courts may adjudicate claims involving states.
Whether English courts may adjudicate disputes involving states under the State Immunity Act 1978
The review places state immunity at the intersection of public and private international law and clarifies the State Immunity Act 1978’s bearing on whether English courts may hear disputes involving states.
Conflict of Laws · 2026
Conflict of Laws, “Book Review: Andrew Dickinson and Alexander Thompson, The State Immunity Act 1978 (OUP, 2025)”, Conflict of Laws, 2026-09-07. https://conflictoflaws.net/2026/book-review-andrew-dickinson-and-alexander-thompson-the-state-immunity-act-1978-oup-2025/