United States v. Alvarez-Machain: The Deleterious Ramifications of Illegal Abductions

This Comment argues that the principles set forth in Alvarez-Machain highlight the weakness in U.S. policy regarding extraterritorial apprehensions. Part I sets forth the various methods utilized by nations to gain custody of an individual and how these practices have developed in the United States. Part II describes the factual background and the holding of the U.S. Supreme Court in Alvarez-Machain. Part III analyzes the Supreme Court\u27s decision and argues that the Court\u27s conclusion is misguided. Part III also examines the possible effects of this decision on other nations that hold extradition treaties with the United States. This Comment concludes that the United States should make every effort to refrain from abductions in order to avoid consequences ranging from international censure to retaliatory measures. Accepting such a policy ultimately benefits the United States and preserves U.S. relations with other countries