Has the U.S. ever been under martial law?

Asked by: Mr. Erin Abbott  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (34 votes)

Yes, the U.S. has experienced martial law numerous times, declared by federal, state, and local authorities in response to conflicts, riots, natural disasters, and labor disputes, though it's usually localized and the Constitution doesn't define it, leading to unclear legal boundaries, with famous instances including New Orleans in 1814 and during the Civil Rights era.

Has the United States of America ever been under martial law?

On September 15, 1863, President Lincoln imposed Congressionally authorized martial law on Kentucky, Maryland and Missouri. The authorizing act allowed the President to suspend habeas corpus and civil rights throughout the entire United States (which he had already done under his own authority on April 27, 1861).

What happens if martial law is declared in the United States?

Further, martial law suspends all existing laws, as well as civil authority and the ordinary administration of justice. In the United States, martial law may be declared by proclamation of the President or a State governor, but such a formal proclamation is not necessary.

What countries have martial law?

By country

  • Armenia. During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan declared martial law.
  • Australia. The Black War was a period of violent conflict between British colonists and Aboriginal Australians in Tasmania from the mid-1820s to 1832. ...
  • Azerbaijan. ...
  • Bahrain. ...
  • Bangladesh. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • China. ...
  • Egypt.

How long can martial law be declared?

Martial law can last as long as the crisis (like war, rebellion, or disaster) requires, potentially indefinitely, but is generally intended to be temporary, ending when civilian courts function again; however, its duration is often determined by political will, as seen in Ukraine (extended in 90-day increments) or the Philippines (Marcos ruled for over 20 years). Its necessity ends when normal legal processes can resume, but implementation varies greatly by country and situation, with some US instances lasting months or years, and federal law limits its scope in the US. 

Here's What Martial Law In The US Would Actually Look Like

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Can you leave the country during martial law?

Whether you can leave the country during martial law depends heavily on the specific country's laws and the reason for martial law, but generally, freedom of movement is severely restricted, especially for men of military age who are often banned from leaving to prevent conscription, though exceptions exist for specific reasons like severe medical conditions, essential workers, or families with disabled dependents, requiring special permits. 

What rights do you lose during martial law?

Martial law suppresses fundamental civil liberties by replacing civilian law with military rule, suspending rights like free speech, assembly, and the right to a fair trial (<<!habeas corpus)), allowing for curfews, censorship, warrantless arrests, and military tribunals for civilians, leading to severe human rights abuses like torture, forced disappearances, and killings, effectively erasing due process and accountability. 

How many martial law are there in America?

Martial law has been declared over 60 times in U.S. history, with sources citing at least 68 instances, primarily by state and local officials for issues like riots, labor disputes, and natural disasters, rather than federal declarations; President Lincoln used it during the Civil War, and it was also invoked in Hawaii after Pearl Harbor, though it's rare and usually limited in scope. 

Does Barack Obama know martial arts?

Yes, Barack Obama trained in martial arts, specifically Taekwondo, earning a green belt during his time as a state senator in Chicago, and was awarded an honorary black belt in Taekwondo by South Korea in 2009. He also practiced Pencak Silat as a child in Indonesia, which influenced his discipline and focus, and has shown interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA).
 

Which country is no. 1 in the military?

The United States is generally ranked as the #1 most powerful military country in the world for 2025-2026 by most indexes, like Global Firepower, due to unmatched spending, advanced technology (stealth, carriers), and global reach, though China leads in total personnel, and Russia often ranks second overall. Rankings vary slightly, but the US consistently tops for overall military strength, followed by Russia and China.
 

What power does the president have during martial law?

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the ...

What will happen to prisoners during martial law?

During martial law, prisoners often face suspended rights, heightened military control, and potential harsh treatment like torture or disappearance, especially political opponents; while some lesser offenders might be offered parole for service, the norm is continued incarceration with reduced due process, as military authority replaces civilian law, leading to potential abuses and abandonment of normal prison functions, though standard facilities may continue operating under military direction. 

What can the president not do?

A PRESIDENT CANNOT . . .

  • make laws.
  • declare war.
  • decide how federal money will be spent.
  • interpret laws.
  • choose Cabinet members or Supreme Court Justices without Senate approval.

What do the police do during martial law?

What do police do in martial law? The key element in defining a state of martial law is that the military is given the same powers as domestic police officers, and so the regular police may be acting in concert with or under the direction of the military to enforce the security measures imposed by the state.

How does martial law affect civilians?

During a state of emergency, civilians are still in control and the military, most often the National Guard, lends a hand. During martial rule, rights may be entirely suspended. During a state of emergency, rights are often only curtailed to a certain degree such as a curfew or restricted movement.

What are the two types of martial law?

There are two types of martial law. Qualified: Military aids civilian law enforcement. Absolute: Military has complete control over law enforcement.

What did Jesus say about martial arts?

Matthew 5:38-42, in which Jesus talks about an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, has been used to condemn martial arts. It reads, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. ' But I tell you do not resist an evil person.

What degrees does Donald Trump have?

Though Trump personally opposed the war, he did not participate in protests. Trump graduated from the Wharton School in May 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in economics.

Did Joe Biden ever practice law?

He was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 and practiced as a lawyer before running for political office.

What country has declared martial law?

At 10:30 p.m. on December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law for the first time in 40 years and lifted it at 2:30 a.m. on December 4, 2024, after the National Assembly voted to recommend its lifting to the president.

What is martial law in South Korea?

Martial law was a recurring tool used by military leaders to suppress dissent and consolidate power in South Korea's authoritarian, dictatorial past until the end of the Fifth Republic of Korea with the June Democratic Struggle of 1987, when South Korea transitioned to democracy under the Sixth Republic.

How to survive under martial law?

Learn as many basic life skills as you can. Under martial law, you have no idea what will be available to you and what you'll have to do on your own. Knowing how to do as many basic things as possible with limited power and technology can make all the difference when it comes to surviving under martial law.

Who can stop the president from declaring war?

Only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, but the President, as Commander-in-Chief, can deploy troops for up to 60 days without a formal declaration under the War Powers Resolution, with Congress then needing to authorize continuation or face termination of hostilities, using funding control (appropriations) and oversight as key checks. 

What does article 1 section 8 of the constitution say?

Section 8: Powers of Congress

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.