Brigham Young University Prelaw Review
Keywords
Disciplinary Segregation, Solitary Confinement, Cruel and Unusual Punishment, Arbitrary Punishment, Psychological Effects, Recidivism, Prison
Abstract
The "double-tap" drone strike tactic, in which a drone hits a target twice in rapid succession, has garnered much international attention in recent years. This paper assesses the legality of those strikes under conventional international humanitarian law, specifically within the framework of the Geneva Conventions. I argue that the double-tap tactic is not necessarily illegal if proper steps for compliance with international humanitarian law are taken by commanders. However, many circumstances demonstrate that appropriate measures are often not taken in the status quo. I argue that such situations should be deemed as war crimes and prosecuted accordingly by international legal bodies.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Swenson, Nathan
(2025)
"The Routine War Crime? Double-tap Drone Strikes Under Customary International Humanitarian Law,"
Brigham Young University Prelaw Review: Vol. 39, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byuplr/vol39/iss1/6