Definition

Extradition: A legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed.

Sentence

While imprisoned in Mexico, El Chapo Guzmán was indicted in San Diego on drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges. Apparently fearing extradition, he bribed guards to help him escape in 2001 by hiding in a laundry cart that was rolled out of the prison.

Current Events

• Death on a Prison Bus: Extradition Companies’ Safety Improvements Lag

• Mexico approves extradition of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán to U.S.

• Colombia to extradite drug kingpin Otoniel to US

In Fact

• These Countries don’t have an extradition treaty with the U.S.

• US Justice Department Extradition FRQs

Questions to Ponder

1. What does extradition have to do with federalism?

2. If you get extradited twice is that an extraextradition?

3. What is one US agency that is involved in extradition?

4. What would happen if extradition was not legal?

5. Who pays for extradition, the place receiving or the place sending the person?