What To Do If Martial Law Is Declared – A Step-By-Step Guide

Today’s topic: What to do if martial law is declared?

This is an area of concern, and the mere idea of it is rather intimidating for many. A time of emergency, civil disorder, and natural disasters within your native land- it is during these situations that martial law can be applied with the help of the military.

A smooth transition from civilian life to military life will ensure the preservation of your health and rights. The guide below will inform you of everything you need to know about martial law and staying alert about current situations.

In this article, we talk about immediate safety as to what to do if martial law is declared, in the first 24 hours.

• Legal Rights- Those that remain active with the beginning of military rule.
• Practical Prep- Basic supplies and how to communicate.
• Conflict Avoidance- How to act correctly towards the police. 

Martial Law Meaning: What Martial Law Really Means?

What to do if martial law is declared? Well, you will find out soon enough. But first, let’s learn the basics. 

Martial law is a situation when the military rules the country and not the civilian government that we are usually governed by. Although it happens for a temporary period, it can have long term effects on a country and its people. 

This occurs in the situation where the civilian leadership is unable to maintain law and order in the country.

Legal Definition & Authority

By strict definition, martial law is the temporary adjournment of regular law. It permits the military leadership to undertake law and order maintenance. In times past, it has been the last resort in invasion and insurrection on a large scale.

Civil Liberties In Military Rule- Bill Of Rights

To understand what to do if martial law is declared, we must understand what happens to us if such a rule is declared. In such an environment, many of the prevalent rights that include freedom to assemble or movement may be suspended. 

In addition, in most countries, the habeas corpus is a rampant spot of legal tussle. However, for one to understand the event of declaring martial law, then he need to know what rights are and are not suspended during that process

What To Do If Martial Law Is Declared?

It is the moments immediately after an announcement that pose the most risk to your family’s security. 

What To Do If Martial Law Is Declared In Order To Protect Your Family?

Well, you must take immediate action to secure your surroundings and continue to monitor appropriate channels for updated information.

Remain Calm, Stay Safe

The biggest threat to you in a crisis situation is panic. High levels of stress can result in poor decision-making. Try to get yourself and your family members to a safe place indoors.

Stay Informed And Obey The Curfew

These are the probable ways and means through which the authorities will convey the alerts to the citizens. Understanding the how-to approach in the event of martial law requires one to show utmost adherence to the curfews so as not to appear as a threat to the military. Soldiers will always adopt a zero-tolerance system to unauthorized movements during curfew hours.

Preparedness Planning Pre-Martial Law & During Martial Law

What to do if martial law is declared? Well, it would be best if we could all stay prepared, prior to the onset of an incident, but even after a declaration. We can start off by taking basic measures. Resource management will need to be undertaken with caution, as supply chains can be expected to be grossly disrupted.

Put Together An Emergency Supply Kit

It is important that your kit include at least three days’ supply of water and non-perishable food. Be sure to add any medications that are needed, along with a first-aid kit.

A manual can opener should also be included in your kit. Since a natural disaster may also involve the loss of power, a backup power source may be necessary.

Communication and Financial Plans

Appoint a meeting place for family members if contact is severed. Keep an accessible, adequate supply of cash, since online banking might go down. Understanding how to live under martial law is preparing for the reality where, most probably, one’s ATM card and credit cards will no longer be usable.

Legal Rights & Responsibilities

Even in the scenario where military rule is in place, you would not be left completely vulnerable either. There are international rules and laws that sometimes set the treatment standards by the government towards civilians.

Knowing Your Rights

For example, the Supreme Court in the United States has ruled that martial law cannot exist as long as there are operational courts. While you cannot move freely, you still have the freedom to be secure against arbitrary violence or summary execution.

Military Orders Supersede Civil Law

What to do if martial law is declared? Well, in such cases, military orders will most probably supersede the law. It is now the case that military orders are the law of the land during this time. Not complying with an order will result in one’s immediate detained without the benefit of the required 24-hour hearing. Preparing oneself in case martial law is declared by the fact that obeying is the fastest way of not finding oneself in military detention.

Safety & Psychological Resilience

In the event of a long-term state of emergency, taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical well-being. Military rule also often means uncertainty, which can be a source of stress to people of all ages.

Mental Health Advice In A Crisis

Also, establish a routine with your family so you can feel a sense of normalcy. Try to limit your exposure to bad news cycles but make sure you are informed about the necessary safety information. Exercise, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques can help alleviate physical symptoms of stress.

Conflict Avoidance & De-Escalation

When at any military checkpoint, be sure to stay calm and let your hands be seen. Always speak clearly and follow instructions with no arguing or gesturing. This is one of the things you do when martial law rules to ensure personal security.

Read Also: False Military Service Claims: Know About the Legal Consequences

What To Do If Martial Law Is Declared? 5 Historical Instances Of Martial Law

It is good, in determining what is required if martial law were to be enacted, to review any historical events. Although not often, there have been occasions when the United States has applied martial law instead of the normal land laws in order to be observed.

The following are five such examples of martial law declared within the USA:

1. Louisiana, New Orleans, 1814

During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson declared martial law. The reason behind this declaration was to safeguard this city against attacks by the British. This martial law control was still operating when the war was finally over, thereby bringing into focus some of the risks of martial law in relation to matters concerning suspension of civil liberties.

2. Great Chicago Fire (1871)

Following the Great Chicago Fire, the mayor put Chicago under martial law in order to prevent mass looting. In such a scenario, some of the lessons learned include how to behave in case of martial law being imposed, which includes observing curfews and allowing military forces to protect property.

3. Hawaii (1941)

The governor handed over power to the military shortly after the Pearl Harbor invasion. For three continuous years, the military controlled everything starting from the price of food down to the labour laws. This therefore shows what may happen if martial law is imposed during an invasion by foreigners.

4. The Coal Wars in West Virginia, 1912

When violent labor strikes occurred, Governor William Gilmer ordered military power in the state to arrest and prosecute miners before military courts in a move that was highly odious, once again proving a point that the military can perform the duties associated with judges and police.

5. Freedom Riders Riots 1961

Martial law was imposed to protect civil rights activists as riots broke out in Montgomery, Alabama, giving the general public a good understanding of what they were supposed to do in case martial law was declared by not taking to the streets to allow the troops to restore law and order.

Read Also: How To File A Civil Lawsuit In The Easiest Way Possible?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

It would be important to have an understanding of the procedures to follow in case martial law has been declared in your area.

This would be the balancing act between following the rules set by the military and ensuring your family stays physically and psychologically ready. This would be ensured by remaining informed and having the necessary supplies.