What is Martial law? Meaning explained
MARTIAL Law can be imposed in times of intense crisis such as war, rebellion or natural disaster.
But how does it work and how long can it last? Here's everything you need to know.
What is Martial Law?
Martial law is defined by Merriam-Webster as "the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety."
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, it has been declared 68 times in the US, with 29 declarations coming during labor disputes,
Two declarations came during wars or invasions while as many as four came during natural disasters.
The federal government has not declared martial law since it restored civilian rule to Hawaii in 1944.
"Martial law has long been mired in confusion in the United States, but that has not always stopped state and federal officials from declaring it," the Brennan Center writes.
What happens when Martial law is declared?
When Martial Law is declared, the military commander of any given area is given unlimited authority to make and enforce laws.
This typically occurs when civilian authority, such as the government or police force, can no longer function and is made completely absent.
Martial Law also suspends all existing laws as well as civil authority and legal systems.
In the US, Martial Law can be declared by proclamation of the President or a State governor - though formal proclamations are not necessary.
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That is because the US constitution makes no specific mention for the grounds and process to impose Martial Law.
Also, the constitution states that nearly every State has a constitutional authority to impose Martial Law powers.
When has Martial law been declared?
Martial Law has been declared multiple times across the world. Here are some examples.
Russia
On Wednesday October 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was introducing martial law in four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine
He said the "entire system of state administration", not only the specialised security agencies, must be geared to supporting what Russia calls its "special military operation".
Putin boosted the security powers of all Russia's regional governors and ordered the creation of a special coordinating council to boost his war effort.
Ukraine
Back in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law when Kremlin troops breached the country's eastern border.
As Russian forces begun bombing the hotly-contested Donbass region, President Zelenskyy said: "We’re introducing martial law on the whole territory of our country."
Armenia
Martial Law was declared by the Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan during the September 2020 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Philippines
The Philippines has been placed under martial law on a number of historical instances.
The most prominent was during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.
Marcos claimed that he had done so in response to the "communist threat" posed by the newly founded Communist Party of the Philippines and the sectarian "rebellion" of the Mindanao Independence Movement.
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Indonesia
In May 2003, the Indonesian President declared Martial Law in Ache province to counter armed separatists.
This lasted for six months.