1. Immunity means that in criminal proceedings, based on the entrustment of criminal suspects and defendants, the law gives defense lawyers the right to refuse to testify to judicial organs on matters related to their clients, and they will not be investigated and punished by relevant laws because of their legitimate professional behavior;
2. Criminal immunity includes immunity from testimony and immunity from liability.
Characteristics of immunity from criminal responsibility;
1. Immunity is an exclusive right granted to defense lawyers by law. Other subjects in criminal proceedings, such as agents ad litem, witnesses and expert witnesses, do not enjoy this right;
2. Immunity is an inevitable requirement of the litigation mode of both the prosecution and the defense, and it is also an important guarantee to realize the balance of rights between the prosecution and the defense; Immunity is a procedural right;
3. Immunity only occurs in criminal proceedings and related procedures, and the personal behavior and related speeches of defense lawyers outside their professional activities are not protected by this privilege;
4. Immunity cannot be waived. Immunity is based on the entrustment of the parties or the designation of the court, and its purpose is to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the parties, ensure the fairness of the entity and the fairness of the procedure, thus punishing crimes in criminal proceedings and protecting people's rights.
Legal basis:
Article 20 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers
Lawyers enjoy civil and criminal immunity in their written or oral defense, or in the relevant statements made by them because of their duties and tasks before the court, court or other legal or administrative authorities appear in court.