An overview of Western and Soviet block scholars' definitions of legal assistance is followed by a discussion of agreements concerning one state's acceptance of a criminal judgment pronounced in another state. The paper comments that the most important concept covered by the notion of legal assistance is extradition of criminal offenders. Contrary to Western opinion, the validity of the principle of political offense exception is accepted among the socialist states in their interrelations. In addition, asylum should be refused when granting it would place offenders in a position where they might again commit actions endangering other people. Acts of terrorism and hijacking of commercial airlines are good examples where asylum should be refused. No specialist in international law has spoken in favor of providing relief to offenders found guilty of crimes against peace and humanity. Nazi war criminals are not eligible for the political offense exception and are not affected by statutory limitations. The Draft International Penal Code provides that offenders guilty of crimes against peace and humanity should be extradited even in the absence of special extradition agreements. The paper includes 41 footnotes.