Jus in Bello: The Legal Standards for Conducting War
Definition & Meaning
Jus in bello is a Latin phrase that translates to "the law in waging war." It refers to the body of international law that governs the conduct of parties engaged in armed conflict. This concept outlines the permissible actions of belligerents during warfare, emphasizing that military operations should adhere to principles of justice and fairness. The main objectives of jus in bello are to protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities and to regulate the means and methods of warfare.
Legal Use & context
Jus in bello is primarily relevant in the context of international humanitarian law (IHL), which applies during armed conflicts. Legal practitioners, military personnel, and governments refer to these principles to ensure compliance with ethical standards in warfare. This term may also intersect with various legal areas, including:
- International law
- Military law
- Human rights law
Users can manage related legal matters by utilizing templates and forms available through resources like US Legal Forms, which provide guidance on compliance with these principles.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples illustrating the application of jus in bello:
- Example 1: During a military operation, a commander must ensure that airstrikes are directed only at enemy combatants and military installations, avoiding civilian areas to comply with the principle of discrimination.
- Example 2: If a military action results in significant civilian casualties, the commanding officer must assess whether the military advantage gained justifies the harm caused, adhering to the principle of proportionality. (hypothetical example)