Extraordinary rendition

This is the top-level article for numerous articles about specific policies of nations and political systems. For more information, explore Extraordinary rendition/Related Articles, both in terms of techniques and of the practices of various nations and governments (e.g., extraordinary rendition, U.S., George W. Bush Administration. For contrast, see international extradition.

Extraordinary rendition has had a general meaning of bypassing international extradition, of obtaining custody of a prisoner, from a foreign country. It can, for example, not involve formal extradition procedure before the courts, but could still involve an administrative hearing before immigration authorities.

Formal procedure

Captives who face extraordinary rendition may or may not have an opportunity to challenge the justification for their transfer. Such captives would typically make their challenge to the immigration authorities in that country, if they are not citizens of it, rather than to its courts.

Secret procedure

Legal distinctions have been drawn between secret rendition when there is, or is not, the possibility of torture.