Statute Limitations, International Cooperation and Education: Legal Framework, Case Laws and Awareness

Extradition, recognition of foreign criminal judgments, and statutes of limitations are distinct legal concepts, yet they are often closely interconnected in practice. The statute of limitations can directly affect the possibility of requesting or granting extradition, enforcing a sentence, or recognizing a final conviction. This relationship is governed not only by domestic law but also by international agreements to which Albania is a party. Based on limitation periods, Albania may accept or refuse an extradition request, exercising a certain margin of discretion. This legal mechanism raises several challenges in judicial practice, including determining the precise starting point of the limitation period, particularly in cases involving the execution of criminal judgments. This paper examines the interaction between statutes of limitations and extradition in Albanian criminal law, reviewing the legal framework, case law from the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, and the impact of international agreements. It also addresses the difficulties in recognizing foreign criminal judgments when limitation periods differ between states. Finally, the paper highlights the role of education and public awareness in strengthening international legal cooperation and offers recommendations for improving the legislative framework. Received: 12 May 2025 / Accepted: 21 August 2025 / Published: 05 September 2025