Just War Principles

Question 1

Just Ad Bellum - Justice for War

Answer 1

JUST CAUSE: reason for going must be good

LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY: must be approved correctly by legitimate governing powers

COMPARATIVE JUSTICE: The moral case on the side going to war must be greater than the other’s

RIGHT INTENTION: Goal must be to restore peace

PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS: reasonable chance of succeeding

LAST RESORT: all other efforts at peace must be attempted

PROPORTIONALITY OF RESULTS: the expected good must outweigh the evil

RIGHT SPIRIT: war is tragic necessity

Question 2

Jus in Bello - Justice in War

Answer 2

PROPORTIONALITY OF FORCE: limited force to accomplish goal

DISCRIMINATION: discriminate between combatants and non-combatants

AVOIDANCE OF EVIL MEANS

GOOD FAITH: reconciliation is always on the table