States and some organisations have expressed their views about the utility, purpose, scope and process of the legal review of weapons in various different contexts. Some of these views have been recorded domestic documents, such as military manuals on the law of armed conflict. Increasingly, however, States and organisations have articulated their positions in a range of international fora, either through written submissions or oral interventions.
This database compiles and organises publicly expressed views in relation to legal reviews, without prejudice to their relative significance or effect (for example, in terms of the development of customary international law). The database aims to comprehensively reflect the views of states but only covers the positions of a small number of selected organisations.
This database currently contains 379 positions and is continuously updated. Any corrections, or suggestions to add material, are welcome.
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2025
Canada, Military Manual
Section 2. CAF-Issued Weapons and Ammunition 4. Canada is obligated to review new weapons, means and methods of warfare for compliance with LOAC before they are authorized for CAF use. CAF commanders and members can have confidence that CAF-issued weapons and ammunition are lawful for …
2022
Canada, International Law Applicable in Cyberspace
50. States that are Parties to Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions are required to review new weapons, means or methods of warfare to ensure compliance with IHL.32 This obligation applies in the context of cyber capabilities and activities, although not all cyber capabilities …
2001
Canada, Military Manual
530. Development of Acquisition of New Weapons 1. In the study, development, acquisition or adoption of a new weapon, means or method of warfare, there is an obligation to determine whether its employment would, in some or all circumstances, be prohibited by the LOAC. AP …