Martial law

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Martial law link (state of emergency, Civil unrest/Preparation) Sourcewatch
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Martial law is a state of emergency which dispenses with traditional legal procedures such as law, trials and sentences. Such use of extreme violence abandons the facade of "democracy".

Definition

Martial law, temporary rule by military authorities of a designated area in time of emergency when the civil authorities are deemed unable to function. The legal effects of a declaration of martial law differ in various jurisdictions, but they generally involve a suspension of normal civil rights and the extension to the civilian population of summary military justice or of military law. Although temporary in theory, a state of martial law may in fact continue indefinitely. [...] Further, the regular civil courts do not review the decisions of tribunals set up by the military authorities, and very little authority exists on the question of remedies against abuse of powers by the military.

Curfews

A curfew is a time limitation on martial law. Citizens may be told, for example, that if they are seen on the streets between 8pm and 6am, they are liable to be summarily murdered. This is an attempt to limit the invidious nature of permanent martial law while still suppressing effective resistance of the citzens.

Police state

Full article: Police state

The reality of modern USA blurs the distinction between martial law and police state.

Cultural references

The film Gray State was planned to depict the imposition of martial law in the USA, after compulsory chipping, food shortages and hyperinflation. A concept trailer was posted on YouTube, but the film itself was never made due to the sudden death of one of the creators (David Crowley).