War Crimes Law & Legal Definition
A war crime is a crime which is committed during the course of a war, either by a civilian or a member of the military. War crimes are the acts that violate international laws, treaties, customs, and practices governing military conflict between belligerent states or parties. In short, it is a conduct that violates international laws governing war. Examples of war crimes are the killing of hostages, abuse of civilians in occupied territories, abuse of prisoners of war, and devastation not justified by military necessity. It also includes deportation, enslavement, persecution, and extermination of certain peoples based on their race, religion, ethnic origin, or some other identifiable characteristic. War crimes may be committed by a Country's regular armed forces such as its army, navy, or air force, or by irregular armed forces such as guerrillas and insurgents.
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