Living Under Drones

Outside of armed conflict zones, the use of lethal force is strictly limited by international law and, when it comes to U.S. citizens, the Constitution. Specifically, lethal force can be used only as a last resort against an imminent threat to life. Even in the context of an armed conflict against an armed group, the government may use lethal force only against individuals who are directly participating in hostilities against the U. S.

Regardless of the context, whenever the government uses lethal force, it must take all possible steps to avoid harming civilian bystanders. These are not the standards that the executive branch is using. 

A new study, Living Under Drones, by The Stanford International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic (Stanford Clinic) and The Global Justice Clinic (NYU Clinic) at NYU School of Law exposes just how deadly and terrifying the U.S. "targeted killing" program is to civilian populations.