extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the other other hand, the fact there isn’t such a treaty doesn’t preclude the state from honoring specific extradition requests depending on the crime. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025

Worthy said her office will be requesting extradition back to Michigan. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Alejandro Zenon-Reyes, 17, was being held in the Harris County Jail in Texas awaiting extradition to Arkansas, according to a press release from the Rogers Police Department. —Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025

However, the case will now be considered by the British home secretary, Yvette Cooper, who has the final say on some high-profile extradition cases. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən 

: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over