Martial Law
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Definition
Martial Law is temporary rule by military authorities over a designated area during an emergency when civil authorities are deemed unable to function.
Background
It may be invoked in war, rebellion, disaster, or national emergency and can sharply affect movement, assembly, courts, and administrative authority.
Position
It is a key institutional concept for wartime elections, regime legitimacy, and civil-rights restrictions.
Distinctions
- Martial law can be stronger than an ordinary state of emergency because military authority takes a governing role.
- It should be distinguished from general military rule or permanent post-coup government.
Primary source-backed reference selected for this concept.
Sources
- Martial law - Britannica Reference
Page Context
- Election postponement and regime legitimacy in wartime Ukraine and Russia
Election postponement and regime legitimacy in wartime Ukraine and Russia 1. Executive Summary As of May 2026, Ukraine and Russia are both wartime states, but they handle electi...
Quote: Election postponement and regime legitimacy in wartime Ukraine and Russia geopolitics
Pages
- Election postponement and regime legitimacy in wartime Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine suspends elections under martial law, while Russia continues to hold elections in wartime. This report compares the two on constitutional rules, monitoring, repression, and international assessment.
geopolitics