The formal process by which one political authority (a state, country, etc.) surrenders an individual accused or convicted of a crime to another political authority for prosecution or punishment is a key concept in understanding interstate and international relations. It serves as a mechanism for cooperation in law enforcement, ensuring that individuals cannot evade justice simply by crossing jurisdictional boundaries. For instance, if a person commits a crime in one state and flees to another, this process provides the means for the original state to request the return of the accused for trial.
The practice is vital for maintaining order and enforcing laws across different political entities. Without it, criminals could easily escape accountability by seeking refuge in jurisdictions that offer them protection, thereby undermining the legal systems of the original jurisdiction. Historically, agreements to return fugitives have existed for centuries, evolving from informal arrangements to formalized treaties between nations. These arrangements reflect a mutual recognition of the need to cooperate in the pursuit of justice and to prevent safe havens for criminal activity.
