BOOK REVIEW: Extradition Law: a practitioner’s guide (2nd edition)

In his foreword, senior district judge Howard Riddle recalls his observation at the launch of the first edition of Extradition Law that it was already out of date, as law is constantly evolving. However, since the guide’s publication in 2013, even the most experienced district judges have been seen clutching it while on the bench.

This is likely to remain the case with this new edition, which is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to a tortuous area of law.

Edward Grange and Rebecca Niblock identify the many hurdles facing an extradition lawyer at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Their advice will prevent even the most inexperienced from overlooking the basic requirements of the initial hearing. The busy duty solicitor will be greatly assisted by the reproduction of some of the many forms which an advocate is expected to complete (often in a hurry) at an extradition first appearance.

Extradition law’s evolution has been exponential. Despite the brake put on article 8 (of the European Convention on Human Rights: respect for private and family life) appeals, by the decision of the lord chief justice in Polish Judicial Authorities v Celinski & Ors [2015] EWHC 1274 Admin, there remains substantial scope for challenge on article 8 in a part 1 case. Celinski and the authors provide a helpful discussion of the ‘new’ approach.

The book is mainly focused on how an extradition lawyer can practically represent their client at first instance. A section on ‘the duty solicitor’s day’ outlines the principal issues that should be raised with the client, and even explains the difference between Court 3 and Court 5 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The chapter on contested extradition hearing deals clearly with how hearings should be conducted, and what to expect. Then when, sometimes inevitably, extradition is ordered, the following chapter clarifies how an appeal should be lodged and the new leave provisions.

There are many aspects of extradition practice which are bewildering to the uninitiated. This book guides the reader to the relevant authorities, directions and rules.

Benjamin Seifert is a specialist extradition practitioner at Drystone Chambers, London