The U.S. and the Use of Force

This course examines legal issues involved in the formulation and implementation of U.S. policy and actions with respect to the use of armed force, with emphasis on recent and current conflict situations. It will explore these issues from the point of view of international legal norms and obligations, U.S. law and practice, and the policies and actions of recent U.S. Administrations. Among the areas that will be explored are the following: (1) law and practice relating to the resort to armed force; (2) limits on means and methods of warfare; (3) the treatment of detainees; (4) the treatment of the civilian population; and (5) the punishment of international crimes. Elements used in grading. Grades will be based on a paper exploring these issues in the context of a specific current conflict or situation (75%), and class participation (25%).