Also known as: aggression · act of aggression · UN aggression definition · GA Res 3314
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A United Nations General Assembly resolution that defines aggression as the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations. The definition supplies examples of qualifying State actions and guides determinations of armed attack.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Dylan Duffy faces an attacker wielding a knife in a confined space. Dylan responds with a weapon that a reasonable person would realize risks substantial fatal consequences. The court examines whether the intended harm qualifies as serious bodily harm under the governing standard rather than the harm that actually results.
Devon Drake swings a heavy wrench toward Diana Delgado after a workplace dispute. Diana grabs a steel bar and strikes once, killing Drake. The court evaluates the amount of force, the method of application, and the circumstances to decide whether the means were intended or likely to cause serious bodily harm.
The resolution defines aggression as the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations. It supplies examples of State actions that qualify as aggression and offers guidance for interpreting armed attack.
Supporting sources