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October 23, 2003 Nations split on execution, extradition Most countries have signed treaties on the handling of criminal suspect from the United States. Here are some highlights: Most countries will not extradite suspects who are accused of capital crimes. The reason: Most countries don't have a death penalty. Most countries will extradite suspects accused of most other crimes, including those that mandate a life sentence. The rule: If it's a crime in both countries, the suspect is subject to extradition. Countries typically will extradite back to the United States if the suspect does not face the death penalty. The same is true of U.S. citizens accused of crimes in other countries. If the crime is a crime in the United States, the suspect will likely be extradited no matter what punishment the other country administers. The United States only seeks extradition from Mexico in cases for which U.S. prosecutors give assurances that they will not seek life sentences. They do this because Mexico won't extradite suspects who would face life sentences. Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that a life sentence was cruel and unusual punishment. Sources: International law expert Douglas McNabb of Houston, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. | |