Lieber Code

The Lieber Code, officially known as General Orders No. 100, was a set of rules for the conduct of Union troops during the American Civil War, introduced in 1863 by Francis Lieber. It aimed to establish humane practices in warfare, addressing the treatment of soldiers and civilians, the protection of property, and the rules of engagement. It emphasized principles such as military necessity and the distinction between combatants and non-combatants. The Lieber Code significantly influenced later international humanitarian law and was an early attempt to formalize ethical standards in military conduct.