Ex parte Sternaman

This case involves a habeas corpus and certiorari proceeding to review the extradition of Olive A. Sternaman to Canada on a murder charge. The petitioner was charged in Canada with murdering George W. Sternaman, and a Canadian official filed a complaint in the U.S. for extradition. The U.S. commissioner issued a warrant and held her for extradition. On appeal, the District Court addressed two issues: whether the complaint conferred jurisdiction on the commissioner and whether the evidence justified the holding. The court held the complaint was sufficient as it was under oath, attached the Canadian warrant, and informed the petitioner of the charge, despite being based partly on belief. The evidence, though circumstantial, provided reasonable cause. The writ was dismissed, affirming the commissioner's actions.

A habeas corpus and certiorari proceeding reviewed the extradition of a petitioner charged with murder in Canada. The court upheld the commissioner's jurisdiction based on a sufficient sworn complaint that attached the foreign warrant and informed the petitioner of the charge, despite partial reliance on belief. Circumstantial evidence established reasonable cause for holding the petitioner, leading to dismissal of the writ and affirmation of extradition.

• Complaint need not be technically precise; must inform accused of charge
• Complaint based on oath and belief sufficient under extradition statute and treaty
• Evidence circumstantial but justifies holding for extradition
• Technical objections to complaint waived if not raised before commissioner

• Petitioner is a fugitive from justice in Canada, located in Buffalo, New York
• Complaint filed under oath charging murder in Canada

• Jurisdiction of commissioner to issue warrant based on complaint sufficiency

• No objection to complaint raised before commissioner

• Technical objections to complaint not raised during examination