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BigV · 12-10-2012, 08:17 PM

Then I would ask you this: what is the purpose of laws of war?

We have laws for driving, for example. And the laws do not prevent all transgressions. Actually, laws don't prevent anything. But they do codify what we've agreed to be acceptable behavior in a given milieu. Prevention comes from an individual's respect for the rules, mostly, and also from a desire to avoid risking punishment. That we codify expectations for conduct on the battlefield is not much different. And I believe, and I have not been persuaded otherwise, that such laws are merely placebos or mechanisms of punishment.

What do you think is the purpose for laws of war?

12-10-2012, 08:17 PM	#5
BigV Goon Squad Leader Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 27,063	Then I would ask you this: what is the purpose of laws of war? We have laws for driving, for example. And the laws do not prevent all transgressions. Actually, laws don't prevent anything. But they do codify what we've agreed to be acceptable behavior in a given milieu. Prevention comes from an individual's respect for the rules, mostly, and also from a desire to avoid risking punishment. That we codify expectations for conduct on the battlefield is not much different. And I believe, and I have not been persuaded otherwise, that such laws are merely placebos or mechanisms of punishment. What do you think is the purpose for laws of war? __________________ Be Just and Fear Not.