Just War Theory free essay sample

It also determines if the use of violent force is necessary and morally permissible. Just war theory governs the morality of violence before and during the war. Recently, just war theory also governs violence in the post war period. Jus ad Bellum is the criteria that are needed to be met in order for a war to be started. It dictates how a nation or group handles a conflict before engaging in a war, this is the main idea of the just war theory. The criteria for jus ad bullum is the criteria discussed earlier. The second theme that the just war theory addresses is jus in bello. Jus in bello dictates how combatants are to act during times of war. The criteria for jus in bello is as follows: distinction, proportionality, and military necessity. Distinction addresses the distinction between military combatants and civilians. It also prohibits actions such as bombing a residential area or a non militarized zone. We will write a custom essay sample on Just War Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Proportionality states that a military attack cannot be launched if the leader has knowledge before hand that there would be excessive killing of civilians. The loss of lives must be in proportion to the gains of the military. Minimum military force must be used in order to achieve military necessity, a military action must be intended to win the war or gain advantage and the action must be against the enemies objective[9] It also goes back to proportionality where the harm caused to civilians in such actions, must be proportional in relation to the advantage gained. This principal is meant to limit an excessive loss of civilian or non military persons or property. [10] Recently, some just war theorists have proposed a third category called jus post bellum. This dictates how combatants treat their enemies after the war including peace treaties, reconstruction, and trials of war crimes. The criteria for jus post bellum would be as follows: just cause for termination, right intention, public declaration and authority, distinction, and proportionality. [11] Just termination can come about if there has been justification for the rights that were violated and the aggressive group is willing to cooperate with peace terms. A just termination could also be made if the just goals cannot be attained at all or with out excessive force.