Civilian casualty

A civilian casualty occurs when a civilian is killed or injured by non-civilians, mostly law enforcement officers, military personnel, rebel group forces, or terrorists. Under the law of war, it refers to civilians who perish or suffer wounds as a result of wartime acts. The term is generally applied to situations in which violence is committed in pursuit of political or military goals. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians can constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law. During periods of armed conflict, there are structures, actors, and processes at a number of levels that affect the likelihood of violence against civilians.

The term is also sometimes used in non-military situations; for example, during police operations against criminals such as bank robbers, hostage-takers or mass shooters, deaths/injuries by members of the public who are neither police nor the criminals may be referred to as civilian casualties.