Extradition as a tool for inter-state cooperation: resolving issues about the obligation to extradite

Abstract

Extradition as an act of international cooperation for the repression of criminal activities of the criminal offenders is one of the various models whereby one sovereign state delivers up the alleged accused criminals found within its jurisdiction, on demand, to another sovereign state, so that they might be dealt with according to the penal laws. Extradition has evolved among states because they are vitally interested in the repression of crimes and punishment of criminals who violate their national laws and thus disturb the general peace of the society. This article aims to describe the problems with which extradition is faced, especially with the obligation to extradite and with the obligation to take care of her own citizens in situations when the Constitution does not allow extradition of own nationals and in the absence of an extradition treaty.