proportionality
/ˌproʊpɔːrʃəˈnæləti/
Definition
The legal requirement in international humanitarian law that military attacks must not cause civilian harm that is excessive in comparison to the anticipated direct military advantage.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'proportionalis,' meaning 'having a due proportion,' which evolved from the prefix 'pro-' (for) and 'portio' (share or part). It entered English through Old French and Middle Latin to describe the balanced relationship between two things.
In the news
The article uses the term to evaluate potential war crimes, arguing that U.S. strikes on energy infrastructure must respect this principle to avoid illegal levels of collateral damage to civilians.
Over 100 International Law Experts Warn: U.S. Strikes on Iran Violate UN Charter and May Be War Crimes
Read the full article ↗Just Security