I’m just a simple country lawyer and looking for some help. I’m hoping to find someone who has read the book and also seen the movie to help with a bit a bit of comparison work.
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In the movie, Sheriff Smoote comes from GA to investigate Frank’s murder and then requests that Grady extradite Idgie and Big George to GA for the murder once the truck is found. Neither of those things make any sense and I’m curious if the movie just does a poor job distilling a more thorough explanation in the book.
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A) a sheriff wouldn’t really cross state lines to conduct an investigation, he would have no jurisdictional authority to compel anyone to speak with them, collect evidence, request warrants, etc, etc. This was as true in the 1920s as it is today. What connection is there with GA and Frank anyway? This has always seemed poorly explored in the film.
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B) you’re prosecuted in the state in which you commit a crime, with the exception of being prosecuted for a federal crime or your crimes transcend state borders. You wouldn’t be extradited to GA for committing a crime in AL. Again, what does the book have to say about GA’s claim on Idgie and George?
by synthmemory