Abstract: This chapter discusses the third element of command responsibility, namely, a grave and culpable failure on the part of a superior to adopt necessary and reasonable measures to prevent or punish crimes of subordinates. It discusses further the type and gravity of those instances of dereliction of duty that are capable or have the potential to engage the superior responsibility of a military or civilian leader.

Keywords: duty to act, failure to act, necessary and reasonable measures, dereliction of duty, duty to prevent, duty to punish, causality,