extradition

noun ex·tra·di·tion \ ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of extradition

: 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

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Recent Examples of extradition from the Web

The Cleveland man, 23, was arrested on the warrant and was held for extradition.

— andy attina / cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Woman arrested after throwing cup of ice at nurse: Richmond Heights Police Blotter," 11 Apr. 2018
Schooley will be held in Dallas pending his arraignment and extradition to Kansas on charges that include second-degree murder.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Designer pleads not guilty," 10 Apr. 2018
The day after Falciani’s arrest on Wednesday, the FOJ submitted a formal request for extradition.

— Bloomberg.com, "Powell Says Further Gradual Rate Hikes Best Promote Fed Goals," 6 Apr. 2018
Washington, whose address was listed in booking records as in San Bernardino, Calif., signed extradition papers March 19 in Riverside, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles, to be taken to New Orleans to face the charges.

— emily lane, NOLA.com, "Central City gang dispute motivated quadruple shooting that killed 2 in June: NOPD," 3 Apr. 2018
The problem is that only 36 countries have ratified extradition treaties with China.

— The Economist, "China’s law-enforcers are going global," 28 Mar. 2018
Under the sanctions announced Friday, Mesri — who is still at large, according to officials — will not be able to travel to the US or any countries that have extradition treaties with the US without risking arrest.

— constance grady, Vox, "Last year’s Game of Thrones leaks were allegedly part of a $6 million ransom demand," 23 Mar. 2018
According to the statement, Russell was being held Tuesday in the Kenosha County jail pending extradition to Lake County.

— frank abderholden, Lake County News-Sun, "Zion police charge Wisconsin man in fatal Green Bay Road hit-and-run from October 2017," 20 Mar. 2018
Silva remains in custody in Florida pending extradition to New Jersey.

— barbara boyer, Philly.com, "South Jersey prison escapee captured in Orlando after 23 years on the run," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extradition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of extradition

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1810

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Law Dictionary

extradition

noun ex·tra·di·tion \ ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən \

legal Definition of extradition

: 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.”