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Warning
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Simple English definitions for legal terms
combatant
Read a random definition: obvious error
A quick definition of combatant:
Combatant: A person who is directly involved in fighting during a war. This can include members of the military or volunteer groups who are under military command. Combatants are subject to the laws of war. The opposite of a combatant is a non-combatant, who is not involved in fighting.
Enemy Combatant: A combatant who has been captured and detained while fighting for the opposing side during a war. They may be held without charge and do not have the right to legal representation. Even if they are a citizen of the United States, they can still be designated as an enemy combatant.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A combatant is a person who directly participates in hostilities. Legitimate combatants are members of the armed forces or uniformed members of a militia or volunteer corps, under military command and subject to the laws of war. On the other hand, an enemy combatant is a combatant captured and detained while serving in a hostile force during open warfare.
Examples:
- A soldier fighting in a war is a combatant.
- A member of a militia group under military command is a legitimate combatant.
- An enemy combatant is a person captured while fighting for the opposing side in a war.
The examples illustrate that a combatant is someone who is directly involved in fighting during a war. Legitimate combatants are those who are part of a recognized military force, while enemy combatants are those who are fighting against that recognized force.