Martial Law Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Martial Law, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Martial Law?

(n) Martial Law is the law prevailing in the land, when it is subjected to military activities or when it is under a military rule arising out of a situation like war, calamities, disasters, emergencies etc. In Military rule constitutional or fundamental rights of the citizens are temporarily withdrawn and commanders or head of the rule acquire dictatorial powers