What is the Extradition Clause about?

The Extradition Clause, which is found in Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, mandates that states must return individuals who are charged with a crime in another state and flee to their state of residence. This provision ensures that a person cannot evade justice by simply crossing state lines. Therefore, if a person is wanted for a crime in one state and they are apprehended in another, the state where the individual is found is required to extradite them back to the state where they are wanted. This mechanism helps to maintain legal order and cooperation among the states, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in enforcing laws across jurisdictional boundaries.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the scope and intention of the Extradition Clause. For instance, the clause specifically relates to state responsibilities regarding other states, not foreign countries, and it does not impose limits on imprisonment durations or allow for the release of criminals without consequences.