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consular jurisdiction

Consular jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of a country's consulates and embassies to oversee certain legal matters involving their citizens abroad. When a citizen is in another country, the consulate can provide assistance, such as helping with legal issues, protecting their rights, or facilitating communication with local authorities. This jurisdiction is based on international agreements, ensuring that foreign governments respect the rights of each other's nationals, particularly in criminal cases, civil disputes, and protecting interests. Consular officials do not have jurisdiction over all legal matters but focus on ensuring their citizens' well-being and legal rights are upheld.