This should give a sense of the USG legal justification.

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/the-efficacy-and-ethics-us-counterterrorism-strategy

While specific to targeting of US citizens this DOJ white paper is also relevant.

Thank you.

Your question inspired one from me. Not sure how to link to it, but I am puzzled by the focus on drones. I cannot, myself, see any difference between use of drones from manned aircraft or even ground personnel. I would think the justification for use would be that of war--by which I mean the commonly understood meaning of war--which is a concerted attack that is ongoing. The "War on Terror," for example (except, perhaps, on the day of 9-11-01, itself), would not be the kind of "war" for which military action in the U.S. by the U.S. would be constitutionally permissible.

Dear Eveline Mara,

I did ask myself that question many times. In terms of International law my preliminary studies are carefully reviewing the principles of distinction between military objectives and civilians objects, the commanders duty to reduce of collateral damages and discrimination between combatants and non combatants. Articles 43 and 52 of the AP I to Geneva Convention 1949. If you have further queries please email me at [email protected]

Best,

Francisco Leandro

Furthermore, I've enclosed a file for your reference.

Best,

Francisco Leandro

You might be interested in my own research done for the Master of intelligence studies. I am currently working in a textbook type manuscript, but you are more than welcome to peruse and cite my research. the title is The Icarus Protocol: The moral ethical, legal and technical boundaries and limitations of the use of UCAVs. Contact me should you be interested. I am seeing to publish with Sage or another academic outlet but as this is my first attempt at publishing I am proceeding in uncharted territory.

hi pleae look at the site of www.ssrn.com there is several article about drones