Military law - Definition and Overview

Military law is a distinct legal system which members of armed forces are subject. Most countries have special additional laws, and often a legal system, which are applicable to members of their military but not usually to civilians. Military law deals with issues such as; procedures for military discipline, what is (and what isn't) a lawful command, obligations for service personnel.

Military law can also be imposed on the civilian population instead of normal civil laws. In this instance it may be called Martial law. Martial law is often declared in times of emergency, war, or civil unrest. Most countries have restrictions on when Martial law can be declared, and how long it can remain.

Declaration of martial or military law is sometimes used by dictatorships, especially military dictatorships, to enforce their rule.

United States

Military law in the United States is controlled by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Title 10 United States Code, Chapter 47) and implemented by the Manual for Courts-Martial, an Executive order issued by the President of the United States in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the United States armed forces.

See also

• Court-martial
• Military rule

Example Usage of Military