What should you do if martial law is declared in your area?

**Definition**: Martial law is a legal regime where military authorities take control of normal civil functions, often during emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest, effectively suspending civilian rule.

**Legal Basis**: Although martial law is not explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution, the suspension of habeas corpus is.

This suspension allows for the detention of individuals without trial, which is a core component of martial law.

**Historical Context**: The US has a history of martial law declarations, with the Brennan Center identifying 68 instances, ranging from the Civil War to the more recent responses to civil disturbances.

**Curfews and Restrictions**: Under martial law, authorities may impose curfews, restrict access to certain areas, and control movements.

Historical instances have seen curfews enforced within hours of a declaration.

**Judicial Powers**: Military leaders assuming control often leads to the suspension of normal judicial processes, meaning civil rights typically upheld by the courts may be compromised.

**State vs.

Federal Declarations**: The power to declare martial law lies with both the President and governors.

State officials may declare it based on state law, but such actions can be reviewed by federal courts.

**Military Jurisdiction**: The military can take over civilian roles, such as running hospitals or managing emergency services, which can lead to a centralized control of resources during crises.

**Media Control**: During martial law, media blackouts may occur, limiting access to information and controlling the narrative presented to the public, which can further entrench military authority.

**Public Rights**: Citizens may face limitations on their rights, including freedom of assembly and freedom of movement.

Certain sales may be prohibited, such as alcohol, to mitigate public unrest.

**Law Enforcement**: Normal law enforcement may be replaced or significantly altered under martial law.

Military personnel can take on roles typically filled by police, leading to changes in how laws are enforced.

**Emergency Powers**: The declarant of martial law has extensive powers, often described as “extraordinary” measures that can include commandeering private property for military use, as permitted by law.

**Habeas Corpus Suspension**: The most immediate and significant change often comes from the suspension of habeas corpus, allowing the military to detain individuals without providing a reason or trial.

**Historical Reactions**: Past declarations have prompted public protests and destabilization of local governance, indicating a potential backlash from communities impacted by such measures.

**Military Protocols**: Military personnel operating under martial law must adhere to their own rules of engagement, but these may differ significantly from civilian law enforcement protocols.

**Reinstatement of Civilian Rule**: Once martial law is lifted, there are often complex legal and logistical processes involved in restoring normal governance, which can take time and involve further legal challenges.

**International Perspectives**: Different countries have varying definitions and implementations of martial law, influenced by their legal systems and historical context, highlighting its complexity as a governance tool.

**Psychological Impact**: The declaration of martial law can induce psychological stress within affected populations, often leading to fear and uncertainty about personal safety and civil rights.

**Public Communication**: During martial law, official communications can be scarce or heavily regulated, leading to misinformation and potential panic among the civilian population.

**Legal Challenges**: Any action taken under martial law can be legally challenged once normal government operations resume, with courts potentially reviewing the actions for constitutionality.

**Forensic Science and Monitoring**: Advances in forensic science and monitoring technology may play a role in how martial law is enforced, including surveillance techniques that can be employed to locate individuals or monitor public spaces.