Matthew Happold, PhD, LLM Biography |
| Title: |
Reader at the University of Hull Law School |
| Position: |
Con to the question "Should the US Have Attacked Iraq?" |
| Reasoning: |
"The prohibition of the use of force is a foundational rule of international law. Only two exceptions are permitted: the use of force in self-defence, or with the express authorisation of the UN security council exercising its powers under chapter VII of the UN charter.
Iraq has not attacked the US, the UK or their allies, nor is there any evidence that it is about to do so. Force may only be used in self-defence in response to an actual or (according to some commentators) an imminent armed attack. Therefore any arguments based on self-defence fail. What the US national security strategy has advocated are pre-emptive attacks on countries which may threaten the US. The use of armed force in such circumstances is contrary to international law.
Security council resolution 1441 does not authorise the use of force. Any attack on Iraq would consequently be illegal."
"The Legal Case for War with Iraq," Guardian, Mar. 13, 2003
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| Theoretical Expertise Ranking: |
Experts
Individuals with PhD's, JD's, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to the US - Iraq conflict. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to the US - Iraq conflict. |
| Involvement and Affiliations: |
Professor in International Public Law, University of Luxembourg, 2010+
Reader, University of Hull Law School, 2006-present
Convenor, Society of Legal Scholars' International Law Section
Member, Editorial Board, Human Rights Law Review
Practices as a barrister from 3 Hare Court, London
Visiting Professional, Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, 2004
Visiting Fellow, Human Rights Program, Harvard Law School, 2004
Former Lecturer in Law, University of Nottingham
Former Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex
Former Research Officer, British Institute of International and Comparative Law |
| Education: |
PhD, Law, University of Nottingham
Diploma, Public International Law, Hague Academy of International Law
LLM, Corporate and Commercial Law, London School of Economics, University of London
MA, History and Philosophy of Science, Imperial College, University of London
BA, Modern History, Magdalen College, Oxford University |
| Other: |
None found |
| Quoted in: |
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Top 10 Pro & Con Arguments
