command responsibility

English

Noun

command responsibility (uncountable)

1. (law) The principle by which someone can be legally culpable for crimes committed by those under their control.
   • 2011 June 16, Associated Press:

     The suit does not accuse Mrs. Arroyo of personally ordering the abuses, but contends that she had “command responsibility,” Bishop Marigza said.

   • 2016 June 22, The Guardian:

     The judges based their decision on the concept of “command responsibility”, in which both civilian and military superiors can be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by troops under their control.