Lawfare: Introduction

September 10, 2010
War Crimes Research Symposium
Frederick K. Cox International Law Center
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Speakers:
Dean Robert Rawson, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Prof. Michael Scharf, director, Cox Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Prof. Michael Kelly, president, AIDP, Creighton University School of Law
Summary:
Traditionally "Lawfare" was defined as "a strategy of using-or misusing-law as a substitute for traditional military means to achieve an operational objective." But lately, commentators and governments have applied the concept to International Criminal Tribunals, the defense counsel's tactics challenging the detention of al Qaeda suspects in Guantanamo Bay, and as indicated in the quote above to the controversial Goldstone Commission Report. This symposium and Experts Meeting, featuring two-dozen leading academics, practitioners, and former government officials from all sides of the political spectrum, will examine the usefulness and appropriate application of the "Lawfare" concept.