martial law

/'mɑ:ʃəl'lɔ:/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: - Military control over civilian affairs: A system of law administered by military authorities that is imposed on a civilian population, typically during times of war, natural disaster, or civil unrest. It temporarily replaces ordinary civil law and government functions.

Usage

Martial law is declared by a governing authority (e.g., a national or regional government) in response to a severe crisis. Under martial law, the military assumes control of the administration of justice and the maintenance of public order, often suspending certain civil rights and legal protections.

Examples
  • The government declared martial law following the violent uprising to restore order.
  • During the natural disaster, martial law was imposed to prevent looting and ensure the distribution of aid.
  • The period of martial law was marked by a curfew and military patrols in the city streets.
Advanced Usage
  • To be under martial law: Describes the state of a region where martial law is currently in effect.
    • The province has been under martial law for three months.
  • To impose/lift martial law: Refers to the act of declaring/enforcing or ending martial law.
    • The president has the authority to impose martial law in a national emergency.
    • They promised to lift martial law once stability returned.
Variants and Related Words
  • Martial (adjective): Pertaining to war, the military, or combat.
    • The general had a distinguished martial career.
  • Court-martial (noun/verb): A military court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law; the process of trying someone in such a court.
    • The soldier faced a court-martial for disobedience.
Synonyms
  • Military rule: Direct governance by the armed forces.
  • State of emergency: A governmental declaration suspending normal procedures, which may include elements of martial law.
Related Phrases
  • To declare a state of siege: A similar legal concept, often involving military control, more common in some legal systems.
  • Military governance: The administration of territory by a military force.
Noun
  1. the body of law imposed by the military over civilian affairs (usually in time of war or civil crisis); overrides civil law