I. JUST CAUSE
A. Defense against Unjust
Invader; Aggression may qualify
B. Protection of family & home from direct harm
C. Recovery people and/or goods unjustly
taken
D. Protection of rights, liberties,
gov't from encroachment
E. Defense of Allies who have
been unjustly attacked, etc.
II. JUST INTENT
A. Motive: "Peace is
our Profession" vs selfish gain, power
B. Peace or Defense, not hatred
or expansion, as goal
C. Less just intentions are
often mixed: clearly distinguish
D. Perfect intent is unnecessary;
justifiability is
III. LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY
A. Legitimate Gov't or leader
ONLY can make the declaration
B. The Authority must also
be Legally Competent to do so
C. Recognized International
organization (U.N.) may qualify
IV. REASONABLE PROSPECT OF SUCCESS
A. War must be fought to victory
ASAP
B. It is Unjust to fight if
defeat is clearly the outcome
C. Suicide is Not just (Few
or No exceptions)
V. LAST RESORT
A. Every reasonable means to settle must first
be tried
B. War must be the only means, after diplomacy etc.
failed
C. Pre-Emptive Strikes assume much, but can qualify
if...
VI. DISCRIMINATION
A. Civilians should be immune from attack systematically
B. Wanton Violence or unfair Brutality must be avoided
C. Prisoners taken must be treated well & honorably
D. Property & Resources should not be unduly harmed
1. Non-War-Related resources
should be left intact
2. Life-Sustaining resources
must be left intact
VII. PROPORTIONALITY
A. The Good of the Outcome must exceed the Harm endured
B. Means should not be Overly violent, e.g., Nuke Jaywalkers
VIII. TRADITION
A. Acts of War not to violate accepted Conventions
(Geneva)
B. Acts of War not to violate International Law
C. Proper Third Parties (e.g., U.N.) may adjudicate
claims
