Because nothing says rule of law and democracy like a secret courtroom.

It includes this handy table, for those trying to understand the relevant criminal law.

Extensive order of provisional measures, all earning favorable votes from at least fifteen of the seventeen judges. This is pretty much everything South Africa could have hoped for.

Some commentators are noting that the Court didn't order a cease fire. But it got as close to doing so as it was ever reasonable to expect it would.

War is changing. Through smartphones and the internet, civilians can contribute to war fighting from the conflict zone or from the other side of the globe. “Crowdsourced War" describes this revolution and its dangers. Now forthcoming in @nyulawreview.

The Court finds that at least some of the acts alleged are capable of violating the Genocide Convention. It's important to note that this does not mean that it has concluded that Israel has committed genocide--just that the acts alleged could.

If this story is correct, the U.S. may not be properly abiding by its obligation under the Geneva Conventions to investigate possible war crimes. It also demonstrates how painfully little we know about the places where we are bombing.

Excited to share my latest, for @ForeignAffairs: "Keeping the Wrong Secrets: How Washington Misses the Real Security Threat.".

Beautiful winter morning in New Haven.

The U.S. has been using force abroad for two decades now, coming up with more and more aggressive readings of the international legal framework to justify it. This story argues that other states are now starting to learn the lessons we've taught.

For background on erga omnes partes standing--the basis for South Affrica's application--take a look at this forthcoming article:.