Extradition Act 2003

Summary

The Extradition Act 2003 provides the legal framework for extradition from the UK. It divides requesting territories into Category 1 (European Arrest Warrant countries — Part 1) and Category 2 (all other countries with extradition treaties — Part 2). The Act sets out the procedures, bars to extradition, and rights of appeal for requested persons.

Key Points

• Part 1: Category 1 territories — European Arrest Warrant (EAW) countries. Extradition based on a warrant issued by a judicial authority. No prima facie case requirement
• Part 2: Category 2 territories — countries with bilateral extradition treaties. Generally requires a prima facie case unless designated otherwise
• Bars to extradition include: double jeopardy (s.12), absence of prosecution decision (s.12A), passage of time (s.14), and human rights (s.21)
• Forum bar (s.19B) — extradition may be barred if a substantial part of the conduct occurred in the UK and it would not be in the interests of justice to extradite
• Section 21A: proportionality bar for EAW requests — judge must consider whether extradition would be disproportionate
• Right of appeal to the High Court against both extradition and discharge decisions (ss.26-35, ss.103-116)

Parts & Sections

Amendments History