ABSTRACT
15.2 The sources of the law of armed conflict Throughout history there have been restrictions placed on those using armed force in respect of methods of combat, use of weapons and treatment of civilians and prisoners of war. Up until the middle of the last century the source of the law governing armed conflict was almost entirely customary law. However, over the last 140 years a significant number of treaties have been agreed, many of which codify previously existing rules of international law. Rules of customary international law still have an enormously important role to play and much of the evidence for specific rules is found in the manuals of military law which most states have promulgated.
