All Treaties

U.S.–U.K. Extradition Treaty (Model Extradition Treaty Example)

RatifiedBilateral Treatyextraditioncriminal-lawmutual-legal-assistance
Date Adopted

2003-03-31

U.S. Ratification

2007-04-26

Summary

The United States has extradition treaties with over 100 countries providing for the surrender of persons charged with or convicted of extraditable offenses. These treaties typically require dual criminality (the offense must be criminal in both countries), provide political offense exceptions, and prohibit extradition where the person would face the death penalty unless assurances are given. The U.S.–U.K. treaty is the most heavily utilized bilateral extradition agreement.

Parties

United StatesUnited Kingdom

U.S. Implementing Legislation

Federal Extradition Statutes

18 U.S.C. §§ 3181–3196

Establishes the procedures for international extradition, including the role of magistrate judges in certification hearings and the Secretary of State's authority to surrender fugitives.

Key Cases

Factor v. Laubenheimer, 290 U.S. 276 (1933) — Extradition treaties should be liberally construed to effectuate their purpose

Ntakirutimana v. Reno, 184 F.3d 419 (5th Cir. 1999) — U.S. may surrender nationals to international tribunals under treaty authority