Legal Judgment Day for the Rise of the Machines: A National Approach to Regulating Fully Autonomous Weapons

Abstract

This Note advocates that the U.S. Congress pass laws restricting the development of fully autonomous weapons. These “killer robots” have their advocates, but this Note contends that they also present legal, geopolitical, and military risks that outweigh any potential benefits. Because fully autonomous weapons will not be able to comply with the international norms of the laws of armed conflict, the U.S. government should pass laws banning the use of such weapons, and it should encourage the international community to do the same.