A Just War
By Dale Beveridge
Rules to a Just War
A 'Just War' is a theory that attempts to justify wars and also tries to limit war.
The first part to any 'Just War' is:
- The war must be started and controlled by the state and/or its ruler such as a king. This is also known as the Legitimate Ruling Authority.
- There must be a just cause (reason) with a chance of winning.
- War must ONLY be a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted and it has a good chance of success.
- The war MUST be to promote GOOD and overcome EVIL! Peace and Justice must be restored quickly.
- Proportionally - Only enough force should be used as is absolutely necessary to achieve peace. INNOCENT CIVILIANS SHOULD NOT BE ATTACKED.
How should a Just War be fought?
A war that starts as a Just War may stop being a Just War if the means used to wage it are inappropriate.
- Innocent people and non-combatants should not be harmed
- Only appropriate force should be used - This applies to both the sort of force and how much force is used.
- Internationally agreed conventions regulating war must be obeyed.