One may destroy a man who makes war upon him, as he may kill a wolf or a lion, because such men are not under the ties of the common-law of reason.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) One who wages war abandons the protection of law — by resorting to force outside the law, he places himself outside its protection and may be met with force in kind.

Where this applies

• A person uses force to defend their life against a violent attacker who respects no law.
• Someone repels a lawless aggressor who has placed himself outside the protection of common reason.