The Independent Advisory Board on Legal Reviews is an international, multidisciplinary body established to strengthen the governance of new weapons, means and methods of warfare. Operating under the auspices of the Responsible by Design Institute, the Board provides authoritative, independent and practice-oriented guidance on the conduct of national Article 36 legal reviews.

The Board is designed to address growing gaps in consistency, transparency and technical robustness in national legal review processes, particularly in light of rapidly evolving military technologies such as AI-enabled and autonomous weapon systems. It brings together leading experts from academia, government, non-government organisations and industry to support States in meeting their international legal obligations and embedding responsibility throughout a weapon’s life cycle.

The Board’s work includes developing and publishing legal review methodologies, analysing and documenting evidence of State practice and issuing expert advisory opinions on complex or novel legal review questions. Key areas of focus include the classification and review of emerging technologies, the application of international humanitarian law to AI-enabled capabilities and guidance on establishing or refining national legal review mechanisms.

In addition to its advisory and analytical functions, the Board will contribute to authoritative reference materials for practitioners. It will produce the practical Guide to the Legal Review of Weapons, providing practical guidance for legal advisers, policymakers and defence organisations worldwide.

Through its publications, advisory activities and engagement with States and stakeholders, the Independent Advisory Board seeks to promote more consistent, credible and effective implementation of Article 36, ensuring that responsibility is integrated into the design, development and use of contemporary and future military capabilities.