What Is Martial Law?
Usually, countries are governed by a civil government, and by a civil police force. People that are arrested and charged will then be tried by a non-military court. In some instances, however, a government, be it civil or military, might choose to have military authorities impose rule over civilians rather than civil authorities.
When this decision is made, it is known as martial law. When martial law is put in place, it is usually because of an emergency of sorts such as a major disaster or even a perceived military threat. When martial law is imposed, civil liberties no longer have to be adhered to by the authorities. Here are a few examples of when martial law has been enacted.
