Tag: International Law

Was Israel’s military strike on Iran lawful?

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One of the big questions raised about Israel’s military strikes against Iran is as to whether or not they amounted to a breach of International Law and meant that Israel had crossed red lines.  To answer that question, we have to consider whether or not Israel’s action amounted to self defence. This means considering whether… Continue reading Was Israel’s military strike on Iran lawful?

The problem with the “appeal to authority” fallacy

When I wrote in response to the recent letter from lawyers and former judges about Israel and Gaza, I highlight that one problem with it was that it encouraged a form of logical fallacy which is known as “appeal to authority”, or if you want to posh term “ad verecundiam.” Fascinatingly, the problem with this… Continue reading The problem with the “appeal to authority” fallacy

Israel, red lines and the arms trade: How do we know if a red line is crossed?

I recently wrote about a letter from lawyers concerning the ICJ’s interim ruling on whether Israel were in breach of the Genocide Convention.  In the discussion around that article, someone asked me: “what ‘red line’ Israel would need to cross before we should stop arming them?” My response was to note first that before we… Continue reading Israel, red lines and the arms trade: How do we know if a red line is crossed?

South Africa, Israel, genocide and a letter to the Government

This week, a long list of lawyers including barristers, solicitors and even some former Supreme Court judges signed an open letter to the Government, calling on it to act against Israel in response to accusations of possible or potential genocide.  The signatories argued that measures should include the suspension of arms sales to Israel and… Continue reading South Africa, Israel, genocide and a letter to the Government

Grieving the evil of war

I recently wrote that “war is an evil”. I wrote this to respond to and distinguish from Scott McKnight’s argument that war is itself a crime, it isn’t just about the committing of war crimes.  What this enables us to do is to recognise that sadly, in a fallen world, war is sometimes necessary and… Continue reading Grieving the evil of war

A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

Back when I was at University, I had the opportunity as part of my Law degree to study a subject called “International Law.”  At the time, that specific area of law was the poor relation of all other options offered by the faculty.  In fact, there was still significant debate about whether or not it… Continue reading A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

Breaking International Law? (2) The Internal Market Bill

Is the UK Government in a position where it has been forced to go back on its treaty agreements with the EU through the Withdrawal Agreement?  In brief, the issue is this. We have devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is therefore possible for those governments to implement legislation relating to food… Continue reading Breaking International Law? (2) The Internal Market Bill