Legal Definitions - destruction and appropriation of property

Definition:Destruction and appropriation of property is a war crime under international criminal law. This crime involves:

• Extensive destruction or appropriation of property
• That was not justified by military necessity
• That was extensive and carried out wantonly
• Of property that was protected under the Geneva Conventions of 1949
• The conduct was associated with an international armed conflict

For example, if during a war, a military force destroys a hospital or a school that is not being used for military purposes, it would be considered destruction and appropriation of property. Similarly, if a military force takes over a civilian's home without any military necessity, it would also be considered a war crime.

These examples illustrate the definition because they involve the destruction or appropriation of property that is not justified by military necessity and is carried out wantonly. Additionally, the property in question is protected under the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which means that it is illegal to target or take over such property during an armed conflict.