In the book "Star Trek: Visions" the legal aspects of this episode are analyzed. Two points made about the legal process is that the character Riker would have been protected by diplomatic immunity if it followed modern international law, and another point is that the Federation could have protested extradition on the grounds that due process is a fundamental right which would be violated. In the episode, Riker's commanding officer Picard negotiates an extradition hearing and conducts an investigation into the charges.