A. P. V. Rogers
Search for other papers by A. P. V. Rogers in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
General principles
Abstract only
Log-in for full text

This chapter considers what amounts to an armed conflict since the law of armed conflict applies only in time of armed conflict. In an internal conflict, the control of territory by an armed group, the intensity of the fighting or the deployment of heavy weaponry may indicate a state of armed conflict. However, an accidental border incursion by a military aircraft caused by navigational error would not amount to armed conflict. The chapter discusses the great principles of customary law: military necessity, humanity, distinction and proportionality. The law of war is really an attempt to balance the conflicting principles of military necessity and humanity. Whether there existed a customary rule prohibiting indiscriminate attacks is a debatable question. Probably only blind attacks were prohibited under customary law since they would have violated the principle of distinction. Other, direct, attacks would have had to conform to the rule of proportionality.

  • Collapse
  • Expand

All of MUP's digital content including Open Access books and journals is now available on manchesterhive.

 

Law on the battlefield

Third edition

Metrics

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 252 252 115
Full Text Views 0 0 0
PDF Downloads 0 0 0