Martial, << MAHR shuhl, >> law is a temporary, emergency form of government under military rule. It may be organized in an emergency, such as a natural disaster, a political or economic crisis, or a riot. For example, martial law was declared in the Philippines in 1972 to control groups that opposed the civil government’s policies. The new military government restricted the activities of these groups, which included political parties, labor unions, and other organizations. In wartime, a country may declare martial law in its own territory or in enemy territory then in its possession. Under martial law, military laws and the decisions of military institutions are substituted for all civil laws and civil courts. Martial law does not exist if the civil government remains in power but uses military forces to maintain order.
The Constitution of the United States does not specifically provide for martial law. It implies the power, however, by giving the federal government the right and responsibility to protect a state from invasion or internal violence. During the Civil War (1861-1865), President Abraham Lincoln put U.S. troops in control of parts of the Northern United States. Most state constitutions allow the governor to declare martial law within the state.
