Judicial Review and Investigations

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the external review of the application of the principle of proportionality. The chapter first considers judicial review of the application of proportionality. Two kinds of review are compared: the ex ante review applied by courts before an action is taken and the ex post review, including criminal investigations. The authors suggest that both kinds of judicial review are ineffective ways to apply the principle of proportionality. An alternative approach is then considered: creating permanent Humanitarian Law Commissions, with the authority to investigate possible violations of the principle of proportionality. Humanitarian Law Commissions could monitor the propriety of criminal or disciplinary investigations conducted by the military; but, more importantly, they could also engage in policy review—that is, they could review ex post whether a specific policy or operation was conducted in accordance with international law, and issue recommendations for future military actions. Such recommendations may help clarify for the military some of the more complex norms they are required to implement.