ABSTRACT

In this chapter I have adopted a broad perspective when trying to define the general notion of conscientious objection. I consider this the most adequate attitude, in view of the very diverse conflicts that may arise between law and individual conscience; and in view also of the different positions that can be found in legal literature, 1 which are partly due to the difficulty to distinguish this concept from other neighbouring, and often ambiguous, concepts – for instance, civil disobedience.