What Happens During Martial Law?
Martial law being declared, and rightfully so, is an uncommon and historic move by a civilian government. Declaring martial law gives the military complete authority over all or part of the government’s functions. Civil freedoms, including the freedom of speech, the ability to travel freely, and the prohibition against unjustified searches, may be suspended when martial law is proclaimed. A military justice system, like a military tribunal, takes the place of the legal system that normally deals with criminal and civil law concerns.
People who are considered law-abiding citizens may be arrested for breaking curfews or for small violations that ordinarily wouldn’t be grounds for jail. It is also possible to suspend habeas corpus laws, which prohibit unjustified detention and give the military the power to hold people without charge or trial for an indefinite period of time.
Martial Law
Martial law is the suspension of civilian legal procedures in favor of military authority and the replacement of civilian administration with military rule. Normal civil freedoms may be suspended while martial law is in effect, either for a predetermined period of time or indefinitely. Martial law is typically imposed during times of conflict and/or natural disasters and civil unrest. In the event of a military coup, martial law may be imposed as an alternative.
In this article, you will learn about everything related to martial law, its meaning, and the history of martial law in the US and India.
Table of Content
- What is Martial Law?
- What Happens During Martial Law?
- Declaration of Martial Law
- History of Martial Law in the U.S
- Background of Martial Law in the U.S.
- Martial Law History in India
- Declaration of Martial law in the Indian Constitution
- Key Aspects of Martial Law