Holding "Hired Guns" Accountable: The Legal Status of Private Serucity Contractors in Iraq

Abstract

Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, thousands of armed civilians have worked in that country providing security. The law governing these “private security contractors” (PSCs), however, has never been clear. Despite several instances involving Iraqi civilian deaths, there is still no set procedure for holding PCSs accountable. Several options have been suggested, and trying PSCs in federal district courts in the United States seems to be emerging as the preferred method. This Note argues, however, that military-run courts-martial in Iraq are preferable for several reasons.