Legal Definitions - quarter

In the context of military conflict and the laws of war, quarter refers to the act of showing mercy or clemency to a defeated enemy, particularly by sparing their lives after they have surrendered or are no longer able to fight. To "give quarter" means to accept an enemy's surrender and treat them humanely, often taking them as prisoners of war. Conversely, to "give no quarter" signifies a refusal to show mercy, implying an intent to kill all enemy combatants, even those attempting to surrender.

• Example 1 (Giving Quarter): During a historical siege, after weeks of fighting, the defending commander finally raised a white flag. The attacking general, adhering to the customs of war, accepted their surrender, disarmed the remaining soldiers, and took them captive rather than ordering their immediate execution.

  Explanation: This illustrates "giving quarter" because the attacking general chose to show mercy by sparing the lives of the defeated enemy soldiers and accepting their surrender, rather than continuing the fight to their complete annihilation.

• Example 2 (Giving No Quarter): A notorious band of raiders, known for their brutality, attacked a remote outpost. Before the assault, their leader declared that no one would be left alive, regardless of whether they tried to yield. True to their word, they killed every defender, even those who threw down their weapons and pleaded for their lives.

  Explanation: This demonstrates "giving no quarter" because the raiders explicitly refused to show mercy or accept surrender, ensuring the death of all enemy combatants despite their attempts to yield.

• Example 3 (International Law Context): Modern international humanitarian law, such as the Geneva Conventions, explicitly prohibits ordering that no quarter shall be given. Commanders are legally obligated to accept the surrender of enemy combatants and treat them as prisoners of war, reflecting a global consensus against the practice of refusing mercy.

  Explanation: This example highlights the legal evolution around the concept of "quarter," showing that while the term originates from historical military practice, the principle of not refusing quarter (i.e., always giving it when possible) is now a fundamental tenet of international law, ensuring the humane treatment of combatants.