War crime
War crime
War crime (/wɔːr kraɪm/) is a term used to describe an act that constitutes a serious violation of the laws of war that gives rise to individual criminal responsibility.
Etymology
The term "war crime" has been in use since the early 20th century, but its definition and concept have evolved significantly, particularly since the end of World War II. The word "war" comes from the Old English wyrre, and "crime" from the Latin crimen.
Definition
War crimes include such acts as mistreatment of prisoners of war or civilians, genocide, torture, and the destruction of civilian property, among other things. War crimes are serious violations of the laws and customs of war, which are laid out in international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
Related terms
- Genocide: A deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular ethnic or national group.
- Crimes against humanity: Widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population.
- War of aggression: A military conflict waged without the justification of self-defense.
- Torture: The act of inflicting severe pain as a means of punishment, revenge, forcing information or a confession, or simply the sadistic gratification.
- Prisoners of war: Persons captured by a belligerent power during war.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on War crime
- Wikipedia's article - War crime
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