Predator Drone Attacks

Abstract

There have been both legal and policy criticisms of drone attacks. Much of the legal criticism has focused on alleged violations of international law and the law of war. These criticisms reflect a desire to place some controls on a State's use of force. While this international law debate is important, practically speaking, criticism alone would be unlikely to dissuade the United States from using drone attacks. Any real check must come domestically either from the judiciary or from Congress. This Essay contends that Congress, not the courts, is the only viable means of placing controls on the President's use of drone attacks in the future.

Keywords: Drone Attacks, National Security, Congress

JEL Classification: K10, K19