Rules of Engagement

Rules of engagement (ROE) are the embarrassing uncle at a family party. He is engaged in polite conversation but spends most of the time in the corner being denied top-ups on the drinks and someone, normally the legal advisor in the family, stays sober to drive him home at the earliest opportunity. The operational family is obliged to invite him to the party, but everyone scrupulously avoids conversation and looks forward to his departure.

This paper offers a perspective on the use of Law of Armed Conflict standards vice Criminal Law standards in the context of Columbia's conflict with the FARC and current reconciliation efforts.