Also known as: ambassadors · ambassadorial · ambassadorship · envoy · diplomatic agent
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
2 senses
An official of the highest diplomatic rank appointed by a government to represent it in a foreign state. The President nominates such officers with the advice and consent of the Senate. Federal judicial power extends to cases affecting them, and the Supreme Court holds original jurisdiction over those cases.
An official of the highest diplomatic rank appointed by a government to represent it in a foreign state. The President nominates such officers with the advice and consent of the Senate. Federal judicial power extends to cases affecting them, and the Supreme Court holds original jurisdiction over those cases.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A representative engaged to promote a brand and cultivate relationships with clients on behalf of a principal. The role carries fiduciary duties to avoid conduct that brings disrepute on the principal or damages personal relations central to the position.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A representative engaged to promote a brand and cultivate relationships with clients on behalf of a principal. The role carries fiduciary duties to avoid conduct that brings disrepute on the principal or damages personal relations central to the position.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
The President nominates Arthur Abrams to serve as ambassador to a key trading partner. The Senate holds hearings and confirms the nomination by the required two-thirds vote. Abrams assumes the post and begins treaty negotiations on behalf of the United States.
A newly elected foreign leader sends an ambassador to present credentials in Washington. The President receives the ambassador at a formal ceremony in the White House. The event marks the start of official diplomatic relations between the two nations.
A foreign ambassador is involved in a contract dispute arising from official duties. The ambassador files suit directly in the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction. The Court accepts the case without prior lower-court proceedings.
Congress creates a new diplomatic post and attempts to vest appointment power solely in the Secretary of State. A prospective ambassador challenges the statute as violating the Appointments Clause. The court examines whether the position qualifies as a principal officer requiring presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.
A former ambassador sues the President for actions taken while directing diplomatic negotiations. The President asserts absolute immunity from civil damages. The court analyzes whether the conduct falls within the unique scope of presidential authority over foreign affairs.
A private party brings a damages claim against a foreign ambassador in federal court. The ambassador moves to strike the jury demand. The court considers whether equitable principles or historical practice preclude a jury trial in the proceeding.
Article III grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. Lower federal courts may hear such cases only if Congress has provided for concurrent jurisdiction by statute.
Supporting sources
No. Article II Section 3 gives the President the power to receive ambassadors and other public ministers without Senate involvement. Reception is an executive function that recognizes the sending state and establishes formal diplomatic relations.
Supporting sources
A brand ambassador must avoid conduct that brings disrepute on the principal or damages the personal relationships central to the role. Public disparagement of clients that harms the principal's business reputation constitutes a breach of that duty.
Supporting sources
…set out the provision: "[The President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be…