Definition

WAR CRIMES Definition

The Big Three, with the addition of France, finally decided what constituted a war crime. Three categories were established, all punishable by death:

¶Crimes against peace; i.e., planning, preparing, initiating and waging wars of aggression or wars in violation of international treaties or agreements.

¶ Violation of the laws and customs of war; i.e., maltreatment of prisoners and of civilians in occupied countries, murder of hostages, plundering, wanton destruction of cities or devastation not justified by military needs.

¶ Crimes against humanity; i.e., murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, or persecution on political,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!