Extradition
The legal process by which one state or country surrenders a suspected or convicted criminal to another state or country where the crime was committed or where the individual is wanted for prosecution. In the U.S., Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution mandates this between states.
The legal process by which one state or country surrenders a suspected or convicted criminal to another state or country where the crime was committed or where the individual is wanted for prosecution. In the U.S., Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution mandates this between states.
Example: If a suspect commits a crime in New York and flees to Florida, the governor of New York can formally request the governor of Florida to extradite the suspect back to New York to face charges.
Common misconception: Extradition is an automatic, instantaneous process. It often involves complex legal proceedings, including hearings to verify the identity of the fugitive and the validity of the charges, and can be delayed by appeals or political considerations.