

The military assumes control purportedly until civil authority can be restored.” It has been further defined as – “A body of firm, strictly enforced rules that are imposed because of a perception by the country’s rulers that civil government has failed, or might fail, to function. 2004, Pg-3092), the term ‘martial law’ has been defined as – “The law by which during wartime the army, instead of civil authority, governs the country because of a perceived need for military security or public safety. Definition of martial lawĪccording to Black’s Law Dictionary (8th ed. Instances of this form of martial law have been viewed in Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries in the world. Iv) The fourth form of martial law is when a military commander does a military coup and topples the civilian government and assumes power. This is the most significant form of martial law because herein the military forces do not remain subordinate to civil authorities and cross the constitutional limitations placed on civil authorities and their police forces in order to restore law and order. Iii) Law for the suppression of internal rebellions or armed insurgencies and this is perhaps the most significant form of martial law as this relates to maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property. Ii) Law for the governance of conquered territories and affected regions at home state during times of war by military commanders as per established customs of public law. This is a type of statutory law and is used to govern military personnel only, thus making it of little concern to the civilians. I) Law for the governance of the armed forces of a state, which is called military law. In general, the term ‘martial law’ signifies the following four systems of military authorities, viz. What is martial lawīefore delving into the details of what martial law is, let us first have a look at what the term ‘martial law’ means loosely to the common people. This is when martial law is said to be in force.

The Martial Law Administrator virtually enjoys unlimited powers and can do almost anything to restore peace and order. All civil administration becomes subordinate to the appointed (sometimes self-appointed) Martial Law Administrator (MLA), who is usually the military commander and he dictates the Martial Law Regulations (MLR) which contains the list of martial law offences and their punishments upon violations. But in times of armed rebellions, insurgencies, natural disasters and / or wars, when the civil machineries in the whole state or in a portion of the state fail to maintain law and order, then the armed forces are empowered to take control of the affected area. The armed forces remain under the control of the civil administration in these periods of peace. In periods of peace, the civil authorities are in charge of the administration and other agencies of the state.


Common public perception around the world about martial law is unfortunately pretty vague, because presently, only a miniscule of the most unfortunate people are cursed to live and survive under the heavy yoke of martial law. In today’s modern world, where most countries in the world have become a welfare state from a police state, the term ‘martial law’ at times appears to be a relic of the past. Habeas Corpus and martial law with respect to International law.Habeas Corpus and martial law in France.Habeas Corpus and martial law in Russia.Habeas Corpus and martial law in Canada.Difference between martial law and military law.Explanation of the term ‘martial law’ and its features.
