Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

consular jurisdiction

The exercise of a judicial function by a consul in a foreign territory, as by performing a wedding ceremony between nationals of the country represented by the consul."The usual criterion used for the distinction between diplomats and consuls is the representative character of the former of which the latter are devoid. However, this distinction is not altogether correct. Undoubtedly diplomatic agents have a general representative character since in all matters and relations they represent their country in the state to which they are accredited. Consuls, on the other hand, as state organs, also represent their country in another state, but only in matters within their competence. Thus, the representative character of consuls is, like their competence, specific, and secondary to that of diplomatic agents." Constantin Economid6s, "Consuls," in 1 Encyclopedia of Public International Law 770 (1992).