Doctrine of Proportionality >It prohibits attacks which may be expected to cause injury to civilian life or property which is excessive

in relation to the military advantage. It is considered part of customary international law. Military Objective Limited to objectives which by their nature, location, purpose or use make an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture or neutralization, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage. Military Necessity Best defined as the requirement, in any given set of circumstances, for the application of armed force (in accordance with the other rules of the law of armed conflict) to achieve legitimate military objectives. Doctrine of Distinction: Requires that military commanders shall at all times distinguish between military targets and civilian objects. Only legitimate military target may be attacked, this is an absolute prohibition. Hors de combat Literally means outside the fight or out of combat. A person hors de combat is: (a) anyone who is in the power of an adverse party; (b) anyone who is defenceless because of unconsciousness, shipwreck, wounds or sickness; or (c) anyone who clearly expresses an intention to surrender; provided he or she abstains from any hostile act and does not attempt to escape. (rule 47 IHL). Mens Rea Actus Reus Means that the person must have had a guilty Means "wrongful act" - meaning that the mind at the time of committing the crime - that person must have committed an act that is is they must have intended to commit the defined as wrong by law. crime. Statute of the International Criminal Court Ensures that individuals subject to the jurisdiction of a State party who are suspected of committing the crimes genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity are subjected to proper investigation and, if sufficient case exists, are prosecuted and, if found guilty are duly punished for their conduct. International Humanitarian Law: International humanitarian law refers to laws that are concerned with what happens to individuals during warfare. The purpose of international humanitarian law is to preserve a measure of humanity even during conflicts. It does not concern itself with the reasons for war but rather what happens in war. It is jus in bello, or law in war.