Whether by design or happy accidents, Star Wars Episode IV raises many fascinating issues addressed by the International Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), and which international law scholars and jurists wrestle with today. This CLE course will examine the conflicts raised in the film, as well as cover real-life war crimes cases such as the trial of Adolf Eichmann, the Nuremberg trials and modern terrorism cases and drone program issues.

The course will seek to determine if, under LOAC, Leia’s detention and interrogation were lawful and what was her LOAC status as a diplomat who actively aided rebel forces. Would the Death Star be classified as a lawful weapon system? Would the drone strike on Luke’s aunt and uncle be considered lawful? Did Luke and Han Solo act unlawfully when they opened fire on storm troopers dressed as storm troopers? All these and more will be discussed in this creative approach to LOAC.