Application of the Principle of Forfeiture Defending a whole country from an unjust aggressor (foreign invader) Whenever a sovereign nation

is threatened by another country, it can decide to go to war against another country. Only justified under specific conditions

Lawful Authority

Only lawful and competent authority can declare a state of war This declaration is only applicable to a defensive war and never an offensive war Must be a mandate of the whole community

Just Cause

Justified only if war is waged to protect innocent people from imminent danger Includes punishment of offenses or restoration of what was unjustly seized Can defend themselves against unjust aggressors Includes violation of a nations claim to independence and sovereignty

Last Resort

War can only be justified if it is fought as a last resort When all possible options have been exhausted, war can be waged

Good Intention

One should only have good motive when waging a war Right intention is necessary to promote the common good, peace, protection of human rights, preservation of moral order

Reasonable Chance of Success

Can only be justified if the nation can attain its objectives A war should have a greater likelihood of victory than defeat

An unwinnable war is an immoral war.

Right Use of Means

Only employ ordinary means of combat NOT:

Weapons of mass destruction (nuclear bombs, chemical or biological warfare)

It would be morally wrong to enter into a war if the means that will be used are not humane Humane way of war is stipulated in the rules of war

Proportional Response

Any violent response thereof must be directly proportional to the act of provocation or aggression coming from the enemy No wanton slaughter or destruction that has no direct effect on the outcome of war War should cease when the purpose has been accomplished

War vs. Rebellion Following the thinking of St. Thomas, natural law tends to approve of a violent uprising against duly constituted legal authorities under extreme and rare situations

When there is a clear and manifest longstanding tyranny and oppression When the peaceful and legal means to resolve the conflict have already been resorted and exhausted When there is a reasonable probability that the revolt will be a success

When the good to be achieved is well proportionate or of the same weight to the damage that would be inflicted The decision to wage a revolt against the government should come from the majority and not just from a few private individuals