The Law of War
A Detailed Assessment of the US Department of Defense Law of War Manual

A detailed and highly authoritative critical commentary appraising the vitally important United States Department of Defense Law of War Manual.

William H. Boothby (Author), Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg (Author)

9781108427586, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 March 2018

478 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.8 cm, 0.79 kg

In 2015, the United States Department of Defense published its long-awaited Law of War Manual making a significant statement on the position of the US government on important military matters. Whilst readers recognise the Manual's legal and strategic importance, they may question whether particular statements of law are legally accurate or complete. This book offers a unique in-depth review of the complete Manual, including revisions, on a paragraph-by-paragraph, line-by-line and word-by-word basis. The authors offer their personal assessment of the DoD's declared view as to the law that regulates the conduct of warfare, a subject of unparalleled current importance. William H. Boothby and Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg offer a balanced, articulate and authoritative critique for readers perusing the Manual in whatever capacity.

Introduction
1. General background
2. Principles
3. Application of the law of war
4. Classes of persons
5. The conduct of hostilities
6. Weapons
7. Wounded, sick, shipwrecked, dead and the medical services
8. Detention – overview and baseline rules
9. Prisoners of war
10. Civilians in the hands of a party to the conflict
11. Military occupation
12. Non-hostile relations between belligerents
13. Naval warfare
14. Air and space warfare
15. The law of neutrality
16. Cyber operations
17. Non-international armed conflict
18. Implementation and enforcement of the law of war
19. Documentary appendix – notes on treaties and other relevant documents
20. Post-publication amendments.

Subject Areas: International humanitarian law [LBBS], Public international law [LBB], International law [LB], Law [L], Defence strategy, planning & research [JWK], Warfare & defence [JW], International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP], Society & social sciences [J]