This book examines those aspects of the law of extradition which reveal conflicts between different legal systems and where there is a need for an improvement in procedures, either in the interest of mutual legal assistance or for the better protection of the fugitive. The book starts from the assumption that, unless otherwise stated, the principles applied by domestic courts are of universal applicability. Such a broad generalisation is not guaranteed to be right in every circumstance, but it concentrates the study on extradition law itself, rather than on the various national interpretations of domestic extradition laws. The law is stated in accordance with the materials available at 1 December 1990. Most extradition agreements tend to focus on those matters which form the basis for this book. Throughout the discussion of these matters it will be noticed that there is a tension between extradition law as part of a process of mutual assistance by states in the area of criminal justice, and extradition law as a means of protecting the fugitives' rights and freedoms. Dr Geoff Gilbert is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Law and a member of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex. Within the H.C.R., he teaches International Criminal Law on the LL.M. in International Human Rights.

The subject of "international extradition" is not independently taught in legal education programs around the world, yet extradition remains today the most significant form of mutual assistance in criminal matters between States. This book provides a concise and clear description of extradition law and procedure based on a number of key principles and concepts (double criminality, rule of speciality, assurances) drawn from domestic extradition statutes, bilateral and multilateral treaties. It then outlines 35 well-known extradition cases, in which suspects, accused and convicted persons fought the extradition requests by invoking certain grounds for refusal of surrender (human rights violations, unfairness of trial in the requesting country, excessive punishment, etc). For each of these cases, an outline of the facts, the outcome of the case, and the legal arguments of the parties is provided. The book is ideal for legal practitioners who wish to familiarise with the law and practice of extradition litigation around the world and to learn about the best available strategies to effectively assist clients in extradition cases.

A novel and robust examination of all policy means and their lawfulness for recovering fugitives abroad via extradition or its alternatives.