What is a basic interpretation of sovereign immunity?

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that holds that the government or its subdivisions, as well as certain governmental officials, cannot be sued without their consent. This concept stems from the idea that the state cannot commit a legal wrong and is therefore immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution. Thus, when considering the correct interpretation of sovereign immunity, the understanding that the government agency can do no wrong aligns closely with the essence of the doctrine.

This understanding does not mean that government actions are above scrutiny; rather, it indicates that certain legal protections exist to shield government entities from being sued in many circumstances, under the assumption that they act in the public interest. This concept does not grant unlimited power, imply omniscience, or suggest infallibility; instead, it provides a legal shield that can limit accountability in specific contexts where the doctrine applies.