In this Feature, JURIST takes a look at various legal issues relating to the Islamic State (IS). IS, also referred to as ISIS or ISIL, is a Middle Eastern-based group that currently occupies territory in Syria and Iraq. Several nations, including the US, have launched air strikes against IS targets in these areas. In the US legal questions remain about the scope of the president’s power under the Constitution, the War Powers Act and the Authorization for Use of Military Force to take military action against IS. The international community, meanwhile, has expressed concern over human rights violations committed by IS in territories under its control. Ultimately, recent actions taken by IS, particularly its governance of the territory under its control, raise broader questions of statehood recognition.