Reviewed case brief

Duff Development Co v Government of Kelantan

[1924] AC 797

## Summary

PILrecognitionsovereign-immunityexecutive-certificate
Court
House of Lords
Year
1924
Subjects
Public International Law
Reviewed
2026-06-18

Rule established

A certificate from the Crown as to the status of a foreign sovereign is conclusive evidence binding on English courts; courts cannot go behind the executive's position on recognition.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1924] AC 797; verified via House of Lords reports

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.