Criminology Term: Extradition

Extradition is the process by which one country or jurisdiction hands over a person who has been accused or convicted of a crime to another country or jurisdiction for trial or punishment.

This process is guided by international law and is typically done through a formal request based on an existing extradition treaty between the two jurisdictions.

The requirements and procedures for extradition differ depending on the countries involved and the terms of their extradition agreement. Generally, the requesting country needs to provide evidence of the crime and show that the person being extradited is the same person wanted for the crime.

The requested country may refuse extradition if certain conditions are not met, such as if the crime is not considered an offense in the requested country or if the person being extradited may face the death penalty.

Extradition can be used in various situations, such as when a person has fled a country to avoid prosecution, when a person has been convicted of a crime in absentia, or when a person is suspected of committing a crime in another country.

Extradition is a crucial tool for international cooperation in the fight against crime and helps ensure that individuals who have committed crimes are held accountable for their actions, no matter where they may have gone.

However, it is essential to ensure that the extradition process follows international law and that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the process.