Roman Polanski freed as Swiss reject extradition request

A file photo taken on August 8, 1977 shows French filmmaker of Polish origin Roman Polanski (R) leaving the Santa Monica Superior Court with his attorney Douglas Dalton after pleading guilty to a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Swiss authorities announced today that the country will not extradite film director Roman Polanski to Los Angeles because of a fault in the U.S. extradition request. Polanski fled the United States in 1978 on the eve of being sentenced for having unlawful sex with a minor. In a statement, the Swiss Justice Ministry said that its decision does not reflect a determination of Polanski's guilt or innocence, but instead comes from the failure of American authorities to provide confidential testimony from Polanski's original sentencing procedure. Now that the director is free to leave Switzerland and return to his home in France, is there any legal recourse left for Los Angeles County authorities to pursue their case?

Swiss authorities announced today that the country will not extradite film director Roman Polanski to Los Angeles because of a fault in the U.S. extradition request. Polanski fled the United States in 1978 on the eve of being sentenced for having unlawful sex with a minor. In a statement, the Swiss Justice Ministry said that its decision does not reflect a determination of Polanski's guilt or innocence, but instead comes from the failure of American authorities to provide confidential testimony from Polanski's original sentencing procedure. Now that the director is free to leave Switzerland and return to his home in France, is there any legal recourse left for Los Angeles County authorities to pursue their case? Swiss statement rejecting U.S. extradition request

Guest:

Jean Rosenbluth, Professor, USC School of Law. Rosenbluth served for seven years a federal prosecutor at the US Attorney's office in Los Angeles.