Martial law

Martial law: A code of procedure by which all the ordinary functions of police and magistrates are exercised by military authorities. Martial law must be duly proclaimed by legal processes, and when it is proclaimed the martial authorities are in supreme command of the proclaimed districts and may take any means whatever that are justifiable to secure the success of military operations, the passage of troops, the protection of a district, and the peaceable behaviour of citizens.

Under martial law offenders may be shot. The Defence of the Realm Act which was passed by Parliament since the Declaration of War constitutes a modified form of martial law, giving the military authorities ample powers to conduct military operations, but not at the same time abrogating the common-law rights of citizens.

References / notes

The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War.

This compendium forms the central hub of words, phrases, people, and places relative to the Great War period of 1914–1918. These also include battles, political events, ships, trench slang, British and American service terms and expressions in everyday use, nicknames, sobriquets, the titles of British and Commonwealth Regiments and their origins, and also warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used, some of which may seem derogatory by today's standards. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.

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