jus in bello

Jus in bello is a component of just war theory, which dictates that the use of armed force should be limited in certain ways. This concept, rooted in classical and biblical traditions, developed through canon law and theology during the Middle Ages. Key figures like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas contributed to its ethical framework.

In modern international law, jus in bello is reflected in rules governing conduct during war. These include principles that targets should be combatants or legitimate military objectives, that unjust methods or weapons (like torture) are prohibited, and that the force used must be proportionate to the objective. The Geneva Conventions are a significant example of codified international standards for wartime conduct.