nationality principle

In international law, the nationality principle allows a country to exercise criminal jurisdiction over its own nationals, even if the offense was committed in another state. This principle is significant because nationality connects individuals to international law and grants them access to rights and privileges conferred by states. While states determine their own nationality criteria, this right is not unlimited, as it must respect other states' rights to do the same. Nationality can be acquired by birth within a territory or through parents, and also via naturalization. The concept is crucial in areas like extradition, where states may choose not to surrender their own nationals.12