What does extradition refer to in legal terms?

Extradition is defined as the process by which a state or country formally requests the surrender of an individual accused or convicted of a crime, and then arranges for their transport back to the requesting jurisdiction to face charges or serve a sentence. This legal mechanism is rooted in treaties or legal agreements between different jurisdictions, and it operates under the principle that justice should be served regardless of where a fugitive flees.

The importance of extradition lies in its role in maintaining law and order across borders, ensuring that individuals cannot evade legal consequences simply by crossing into a different jurisdiction. Additionally, the process often involves considerations of the offenses' nature, potential penalties, and protections against unfair treatment in the requesting country.