What principle demands that countries respect each other's laws and judicial decisions?

The principle of comity is a legal doctrine that encourages countries to respect one another's laws and judicial decisions. This principle fosters international cooperation and ensures that legal decisions made in one jurisdiction are recognized and enforced by other jurisdictions, provided they do not contravene the public policy of the second jurisdiction.

Comity facilitates smoother international relations by promoting mutual respect among nations. For example, if a court in one country has issued a decision regarding a contract dispute, another country may recognize that ruling as valid based on the principle of comity, assuming it adheres to the legal standards and values of that country. This principle is especially important in fields such as family law, where jurisdictional issues arise frequently, and a consistent approach helps to maintain order and predictability in legal processes across borders.

Sovereignty primarily refers to the authority of a state to govern itself and maintain independence from outside interference, while reciprocity involves mutual exchange, which is not always a guarantee of recognition of laws or judicial decisions. Universal jurisdiction allows certain national courts to claim jurisdiction over serious crimes regardless of where they occurred, but it does not pertain to the recognition of laws and decisions between states.