Should the High Court try those who made the decision to invade Iraq?

Question

The reasons for the invasion appear to have been spurious, the government should rely on independent assessment, the elected members cannot just decide to invade countries in violation of international law.

Answer 1

Can you quote the international law that was violated?

Answer 2

On what grounds? The Australian government would argue that the decision was made because they believed that Iraq was a major threat to national security (even though it may be untrue). They will argue that they had to intervene given the torture of many civillians which was occuring under the regime of Saddam Hussein. There's a million reasons that they will use to justify it - and ultimately, although the truth may be quite different to reality - how on earth are you going to prove that? All the information regarding the deployment to Iraq is in confidential files that the average citizen cannot access (using FoI).

Ultimately, although many find the invasion morally repugnant it doesn't make it illegal. Even if it were a violation of international law - how are you going to prove it?

Answer 3

The High Court can act against any person responsible for the invasion of Iraq but there must a brave citizen to file the necessary complaint supported with evidence.