Combatant Immunity
/ˈkɒmbətənt ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine granting members of armed forces immunity from prosecution for lawful acts of war conducted during an armed conflict.
Combatant immunity protects soldiers from being tried for actions that comply with the laws of war.
- (n.) An immunity that shields lawful combatants from criminal liability under international humanitarian law while engaged in hostilities.
The prisoner of war claimed combatant immunity to avoid prosecution for battlefield conduct.
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Commentary
Combatant immunity applies only to lawful acts of war, not to war crimes or unlawful conduct, reflecting the distinction between lawful combatants and unlawful combatants under international law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.