The decision by the United States to reject an extradition request to the United Kingdom will renew the debate over the United Kingdom's lack of fairness in extradition treaties. The rejection will also set a troubling precedent for other countries to follow.

An extradition hearing is held in a foreign country, often by a foreign court. This court considers whether probable cause exists that a defendant committed a crime in the prosecuting country. If the court finds that there is no probable cause, the court may not hold an extradition hearing. Alternatively, the court may order submission of additional U.S. documentation to the host government.

Extradition to us rejected  documents are sometimes difficult to prepare, particularly if they have to be translated from a foreign language. There are also requirements that a document be authenticated by the consular officer of the requested country. Many modern treaties allow for direct transmission of supplementary documentation between Justices. In these cases, a diplomatic note is sent by post. Depending on the request, the text of the note will vary.

A diplomatic note must include a specific request for the fugitive to be extradited. It should also include supporting documents. For example, the embassy of the requested country might stamp its authentication on the reverse. Other countries may require the authentication of the Department of State.

Generally, the Requesting State must submit an application to the Justice Department to initiate an extradition proceeding. The Department of Justice will review the application for sufficiency and forward it to the State Department. Once the Department of State receives the application, it will then send it to the relevant U.S. embassy for final approval.

Typically, the requesting state's prosecutor will prepare the application. However, in some complex cases, the Justice Ministry of the requested country will recommend that the case be handled by a private attorney. When this is the case, the post should notify the Department of the existence of the legal authority to hire a private attorney. Additionally, the post should make a preliminary agreement with the attorney. Only when the post has a specific authorization to proceed will the post agree to a final contract with the attorney.

During the course of the extradition proceedings, the "extradition officer" must monitor the progress of the case. He or she must notify the Department of any significant developments that occur. They will also be responsible for reporting any incidents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Marshals Service. Finally, they must notify the Department of the date and time that the fugitive will depart. Occasionally, a special air courier will be used to deliver the documents to the post on time.

In the event of an unsuccessful extradition, a fugitive has the right to seek judicial review of the case. However, the rights of an individual are limited in extradition proceedings. Oftentimes, courts will cite the inherent cruelty of life without parole as a reason for denying an extradition request.