Mexican Supreme Court Ruling Opens the Door for JusticeIn a landmark victory for justice, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled on November 29, 2005 that criminal suspects facing life in prison sentences abroad can be extradited from Mexico for prosecution. The ruling was praised by Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, who has lobbied staunchly in recent years for Mexican law to permit such extraditions.
In handing down its decision, the Mexican Supreme Court reversed a 2001 ruling that blocked the extradition of suspects facing a sentence of life in prison. The Court had deemed such sentences cruel and unusual punishment. Following that decision, District Attorney Steve Cooley launched a four-year campaign to persuade the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling. Victims’ groups, district attorneys from throughout the nation, federal officials, and Mexican authorities joined the effort.
The November 29 court ruling does not change the terms of the United States 1980 Extradition Treaty with Mexico or assist with locating fugitives. It does, however, make extradition on murder cases a more viable option for district attorneys throughout the United States since they are now able to seek sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
D.A. Cooley Hails Mexican Court Decision
Allowing Extradition of Accused Murderers
November 29, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525
“This is a landmark legal decision that clears the way to return murderers to face justice here in the United States, where they committed their crimes.
“I have spent the last four years working with victims’ groups, District Attorneys from across the United States, and federal and Mexican authorities to persuade the Mexican Supreme Court to reverse its ruling that prevented extradition of killers
“We estimate there are upwards to 3,000 murderers who have fled the United States to Mexico to avoid prosecution of crimes ranging from multiple murder and rape murder to the murder of law enforcement officers. We’re getting into high gear to take advantage of this favorable decision.”
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