Abstract
This article covers the religious and philosophical grounds of conscientious objection. Ancient Jewish and Christian refusals to take up the sword are addressed. The grounds for refusal in Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are also noted. The protection of the right of conscientious objection that began in the British American colonies for members of ‘peace churches’ represents the origins of modern conscientious objection. Mass conscription in the nineteenth century posed the greatest challenge to the protection of the right. Twentieth-century recognition of the right has expanded to protect those whose objections are philosophical as well as religious. The United Nations recognizes the right of conscientious objection as implied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A contested issue is whether citizens who are not absolute objectors (i.e., pacifists) may exercise the right of conscientious objection to wars failing to meet just-war critieria.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
