Lawful Combatant
/ˈlɔː.fəl ˈkɒmˌbætənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A person who is legally entitled to participate directly in hostilities during an armed conflict under international humanitarian law.
The soldier was identified as a lawful combatant and thus entitled to prisoner of war protections.
Forms
- lawful combatants
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The status of a lawful combatant is crucial for determining rights and protections under the laws of armed conflict, especially regarding treatment upon capture.
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.