Principles for conducting a Just War (jus in bello)

Proportionality in the use of force Principle

The response to unjust aggression must not exceed the nature of that aggression. No action should be taken that generates more harm than good. Deadly force should be used only in proportion needed to achieve a just objective and no more

• taught by Plato

Discrimination Principle

A distinction must be maintained between combatants and non-combatants. Although non-combatants may lose their lives, or suffer, as a result of military action, there must be no direct intention to take the lives of innocent civilians by attacking non-military targets. Nothing justifies indiscriminate slaughter.

• Plato and Thomas Aquinas

Avoidance of evil means Principle

There can be no use of evil means even for a just cause. Means prohibited as being evil included executing prisoners, taking hostages, pillaging, raping women, terrorizing civilians, and desecrating holy places.

• Plato and Cicero

Good Faith Principle

As much as possible, the enemy must be treated in good faith in order to keep open the possibility of reconciliation once the fighting is over. Even enemies should be treated with human dignity

• Developed by Cicero

Probability of Success Principle

Application of the_____________ principle extends into the moral conduct of war. If a king or commanding general (the one responsible for conducting battle) comes to the place where he realizes victory is impossible, he has a duty to end the fighting in a way that saves as many lives as possible. This made accepting honorable surrender part of the just war tradition

Proportionality of Projected Results principle

Application of the ______________ principle also extends into the moral conduct of war. If a king or commanding general comes to the place where he realizes it is costing his side more than the original cause for war is worth, he is obligated to stop the fighting in a way that keeps incurring more costs to a minimum

Right Spirit Principle

The ______/mournful warrior principle also applies to the conduct of soldiers in battle. Soldiers must love the enemy even while fighting, and should regret having to kill or wound an enemy even while using deadly force. Harming and destroying life is regrettable even when justified.