Awards
- Winner of JOINT WINNER OF THE PAUL GUGGENHEIM PRIZE 2009.
- Winner of Paul Guggenheim Prize in International Law 2009.
Overview
This book conducts an in-depth analysis into the lawfulness of State-sponsored targeted killings under international human rights and humanitarian law. It also addresses the relevance of the law of inter-state force to targeted killings, and the interrelation of the various normative frameworks which may simultaneously apply to operations involving the intentional use of lethal force. Through a comprehensive analysis of treaties, custom, and general principles of law in light of jurisprudence, doctrine, and travaux preparatoires the author demonstrates that contemporary international law provides two distinct normative paradigms which govern the use of lethal force in law enforcement and in the conduct of hostilities. Based on the resulting normative paradigms, the author shows in what circumstances targeted killings may be considered as internationally lawful. The practical relevance of the various conditions and modalities is illustrated by reference to concrete examples of targeted killing from recent State practice. In essence the book argues that any targeted killing not directed against a legitimate military target remains subject to the law enforcement paradigm, which imposes extensive restraints on the practice. Even under the paradigm of hostilities, no person can be lawfully liquidated without further considerations. As a form of individualized or surgical warfare, the method of targeted killing requires a 'microscopic' interpretation of the law regulating the conduct of hostilities which leads to nuanced results. The author concludes by highlighting and comparing the main areas of concern arising with regard to State-sponsored targeted killing under each normative paradigm and by placing the results of the analysis in the wider context of the rule of law.
Full Product Details
Author: Nils Melzer (Legal Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC))
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 15.50cm
, Height: 3.00cm
, Length: 23.30cm
Weight: 0.782kg
ISBN: 9780199577903
ISBN 10: 0199577900
Pages: 528
Publication Date: 10 September 2009
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
This book is a well written, clearly structured, thoughtful and measured account of issues such as the current state of practice, judicial consideration and relevant international law. [...] Melzer's detailed examination is a large step forward in the development of a better understanding of the issues and particular pressure points that daily engage advisors, courts, international lawyers and politicians when trying to determine when the state is in the position to take lives. Helen Durham, Australian Year Book of International Law, volume 27
`This book is a well written, clearly structured, thoughtful and measured account of issues such as the current state of practice, judicial consideration and relevant international law. [...] Melzer's detailed examination is a large step forward in the development of a better understanding of the issues and particular pressure points that daily engage advisors, courts, international lawyers and politicians when trying to determine when the state is in the position to take lives. ' Helen Durham, Australian Year Book of International Law, volume 27
<br> This book is a well written, clearly structured, thoughtful and measured account of issues such as the current state of practice, judicial consideration and relevant international law. [...] Melzer's detailed examination is a large step forward in the development of a better understanding of the issues and particular pressure points that daily engage advisors, courts, international lawyers and politicians when trying to determine when the state is in the position to take lives. <br>--Helen Durham, Australian Year Book of International Law, volume 27<p><br>
Author Information
Nils Melzer is a Legal Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
