Define: Extradition Treaty

Extradition Treaty
Extradition Treaty
Quick Summary of Extradition Treaty

An extradition treaty is a formal agreement between two countries that establishes the terms and exceptions for one country to hand over a fugitive to the other country. This allows for the return of individuals who have committed a crime in one country and then fled to another, so they can be tried and punished in the original country.

Full Definition Of Extradition Treaty

An extradition treaty is a formal agreement between two countries that establishes the terms and exceptions for transferring a fugitive from justice. This means that if someone commits a crime in one country and escapes to another, the second country can return them to the first country to stand trial. For instance, the United States and Mexico have an extradition treaty, allowing the US to request the return of a fugitive who has fled to Mexico to face charges in the US. Similarly, the UK and the US have an extradition treaty, as demonstrated by the UK extraditing a man to the US in 2019 for hacking into US government computers. These examples highlight how extradition treaties enable countries to collaborate in ensuring that criminals are held accountable, regardless of where they attempt to evade justice.

Extradition Treaty FAQ'S

An extradition treaty is a formal agreement between two countries that allows for the transfer of individuals who have committed a crime in one country and are found in the other country, to be returned to the requesting country for prosecution or punishment.

When a person is accused of a crime in one country and is found in another country, the requesting country submits a formal request for extradition to the country where the accused is located. The extradition treaty provides the legal framework for the receiving country to evaluate the request and decide whether to extradite the individual.

The receiving country typically considers factors such as the existence of an extradition treaty, the seriousness of the offense, the evidence provided by the requesting country, the potential for a fair trial, and whether the offense is considered a political crime or carries the risk of torture or inhumane treatment.

Extradition treaties usually cover a wide range of offenses, including serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, drug trafficking, and fraud. However, some treaties may exclude certain offenses or have specific conditions for extradition.

In general, extradition is based on the principle of dual criminality, which means that the offense must be considered a crime in both the requesting and receiving countries. If the offense is not a crime in the receiving country, extradition may not be granted.

Extradition treaties often include provisions that allow for the extradition of citizens. However, some countries may have constitutional or legal restrictions on extraditing their own citizens.

Yes, individuals facing extradition can challenge the process through various legal avenues. They may argue against extradition on grounds such as lack of evidence, political motivation, violation of human rights, or the possibility of an unfair trial.

Extradition is generally based on the principle of “dual jeopardy,” which means that a person cannot be tried or punished twice for the same offense. If a person has already been acquitted or served their sentence in the receiving country, extradition may not be granted.

Extradition treaties often have provisions that allow for the refusal of extradition if the person is seeking asylum or protection from persecution in the receiving country. However, each case is evaluated on its own merits, and the decision ultimately rests with the receiving country.

Some countries have policies or laws that prohibit the extradition of individuals who may face the death penalty in the requesting country. In such cases, the receiving country may request assurances that the death penalty will not be imposed or seek guarantees of a fair trial before considering extradition.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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