Martial Law: What It Is & What YOU Need to Know NOW

Martial law. Many civilians—especially preppers—are worried that it will be enacted at some point, and it appears we’re edging closer to it. But what does this mean for the average citizen? Understanding how it can transform daily life and governance is essential. This episode will provide a clear and accessible explanation of martial law and encourage you to stay informed.

The original blogs are: https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2024/06/05/beyond-your-door-practical-strategies-for-everyday-safety-pt-1/ and https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2024/05/03/prepping-101-a-practical-preparedness-start-for-single-women/

 

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be enacted at some point, and it appears
we're edging closer to it.
But what does this mean for the average
citizen?
Understanding how it can transform daily life and
governance is essential.
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.

(00:22):
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
You may have been hearing martial law chatter
more than ever.
This episode will provide a clear and accessible
explanation of martial law and encourage you to
stay informed.

(00:43):
Martial law can significantly alter the government and
personal freedoms during emergencies.
But what exactly is it?
Martial law is a government tool intended to
maintain control during emergencies.
It's often declared in response to significant events
like natural disasters or civil unrest.
Under martial law, the military assumes control and

(01:05):
civil liberties may be suspended.
This is not the same as when the
military is called to assist after a natural
disaster or support local law enforcement during a
civil episode expected to be contained.
While curfews may be imposed and military personnel
are there to enforce order during those situations,
civil authority remains.

(01:25):
With martial law, military authority replaces civil authority,
limiting personal freedoms such as freedom of speech,
press, and perhaps confiscating items that may become
illegal to own, such as legally purchased firearms.
Businesses and homes can be raided or taken
over.
Civilians can be jailed without cause and instead

(01:46):
of going to court, will be tried by
a military tribunal.
Martial law isn't invoked lightly.
It's supposed to be a response to extraordinary
circumstances.
It's seen as a measure of last resort,
highlighting the balance between security and civil liberties.
This is why it's crucial to understand martial
law, what it entails, and what it means

(02:07):
for you.
Martial law has been used globally for centuries
when military leaders needed to restore order or
quickly control a population, such as during wars
or civil unrest, when standard law enforcement mechanisms
failed.
It's often associated with pivotal moments, like when
Ferdinand Marcos declared it in the Philippines in

(02:27):
1972, which lasted almost 10 years, and after
the attack on Pearl Harbor in the United
States.
The U.S. Constitution does not specifically define
martial law, but Article I, Section 9 states,
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
shall not be suspended unless when in cases
of rebellion or invasion the public safety may

(02:50):
require it.
Put simply, habeas corpus prevents illegal detainment.
With constraints, the President and the U.S.
Congress both can impose martial law since each
can be in charge of the militia.
It's important to note that a state's governor
can impose martial law within its borders.
Individual states have declared martial law far more

(03:10):
often than the federal government for suppressing riots,
breaking labor strikes, and after natural disasters, such
as the 1900 Galveston hurricane.
Contrary to some reports, it was not declared
after Hurricane Katrina.
There is concern about the current political climate,
and the President will try to invoke martial
law.
The President technically can't invoke martial law without

(03:32):
Congress, but he has threatened to invoke the
Insurrection Act, which he does not require Congress
to impose.
The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a federal
law that empowers the President to deploy the
U.S. military and Federalized National Guard troops
within the United States.
It's intended for circumstances such as suppressing civil

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disorder, insurrection, or rebellion, and it also has
been used to break labor strikes, but there's
currently no basis to do this.
Some feel that he and his cabinet are
making specific executive orders and other changes in
rules to incite people to protest and give
him an excuse to move from the Insurrection
Act to martial law.

(04:14):
There is a leap from one to the
other, but considering his disregard for the rule
of law and decisions made by judges, there's
no guarantee that he won't try to find
a workaround.
He also removed the federal requirement for desegregation,
for which the Insurrection Act has also been
used, and seems to be doing all he
can to provoke conflict.

(04:35):
While there have been some protests and contentious
town halls, there are many, such as myself,
who believe he wants Black folks, in particular,
to protest so he can begin the escalation
of violence, but we're not taking the bait.
It's important to understand that during martial law,
the military will not know or care about
who or what you are and who you

(04:56):
voted for.
All must comply.
Restricted movements, changes to judicial processes, and heightened
government control have profound implications for society.
When martial law is in effect, it extends
beyond military presence.
Curfews can disrupt daily life.
Military tribunals might replace civilian courts, with legal

(05:17):
protections diminished under military justice systems.
Meteor censorship makes it possible to maintain the
order desired.
It can also impact businesses, potentially disrupting operations
and economic activities.
Civil rights for all during martial law can
be significantly challenged.
Customary rights, like freedom of speech, will be

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limited to prevent unrest.
The right to assembly will be restricted to
control gatherings.
These restrictions aim to stabilize or control the
situation, but can lead to debates over the
balance between security and freedom.
Once the situation normalizes, its effects on civil
rights require vigilance and advocacy to promptly.

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These changes can lead to uncertainty among citizens,
affecting everyday activities and morale.
Awareness of these effects is crucial for being
prepared and resilient during such times.
Staying informed is critical during potential martial law.
It helps you react promptly, make informed decisions,
and ensure you know any restrictions and can
plan accordingly.

(06:21):
Attention to official channels and news is vital
to stay updated with announcements such as curfews,
travel restrictions, and other regulations.
They provide real-time updates on changes and
developments.
Follow government websites for reliable information.
Follow local news, as specifics of martial law
can vary depending on the circumstances and the

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jurisdiction.
Engage with community forums to understand local impacts.
Relying on diverse news sources ensures a well
-rounded understanding of the situation.
Different perspectives can highlight various aspects of martial
law's implementation, and international news offers an outside
view.
Independent media provide an in-depth analysis, and

(07:05):
social media can offer immediate updates, but requires
verification.
As always, and especially during martial law, it's
crucial to distinguish between official information and rumors.
Diversifying your news sources gives you a comprehensive
view, reducing the risk of misinformation.
This approach empowers you to understand the broader

(07:26):
implications and prepare effectively.
If you have prepared and have a stockpile
of food, water, and medication, you'll be in
a better and safer position, as you'll be
spending limited time outside.
Remember that martial law is a very serious
event that can drastically alter citizens' everyday lives.
There may or may not be actual chaos

(07:47):
in the streets, so it's important to know
what to do should martial law be called.
Firstly, you must stay aware.
Martial law is not a uniform concept.
Its implementation and the specific regulations imposed can
vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction, the reasons
for its declaration, and the authorities enforcing it.

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It could be a fluid situation, and things
may change rapidly.
Nothing is worth losing your life or freedom,
so remain aware of changes.
Ensure you can reliably receive updates if curfew
hours or other restrictions change in your area.
Emotions will be high.
You must be alert and use your situational
awareness skills.

(08:28):
If you need a refresher on that, I
have an article in my blog that I'll
point to in the description.
Weapon possession rules vary, ranging from limitations to
confiscation.
Knowing what rules are being applied in your
area is extremely important.
Prioritize your safety.
Stay indoors whenever possible, especially during curfew hours.

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Don't call attention to your home, especially if
there's a lot of chaos and a strong
military and law enforcement presence.
You do not want your home to be
a magnet for desperate or dangerous people or
risk having cops or soldiers pounding on your
door.
If you're outside, remain calm and avoid actions
that could be perceived as threatening.
If you believe your citizenship might be challenged,

(09:10):
carry a notarized copy of your passport or
birth certificate.
Yes, I hate to say that.
Comply with authorities and follow the instructions of
military and law enforcement personnel.
Noncompliance can result in severe consequences.
Expect that martial law will bring up the
worst in everyone, including the authorities.

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If there's widespread rioting or chaos, do not
go outside unless it's an absolute medical emergency.
You want your home to look nondescript or
unoccupied.
Keep noise to a minimum.
If you can't use firearms, make sure you
have other items you can use for defense.
Keep your doors and windows locked.

(09:51):
Have your doors braced.
If you have time, avoid your windows facing
areas of conflict, heavy traffic, or a lower
level that can be easily breached.
For tips, read my two articles, Lock Down
Your Lair, Practical Home Securities, parts one and
two.
If people are desperate and looking for food
and water, avoid cooking with heat as much
as possible unless you can contain the smoke

(10:12):
and aromas.
If hungry people can smell it, you'll have
a problem.
Don't put out too much trash.
If you can, don't put out any.
If you're trying to make the house look
unoccupied or that you have very little, a
large pile of garbage shows people and stuff.
You don't want to attract scavengers either.
If enough chatter about martial law being enacted

(10:35):
makes you want to evacuate to a safer
location, ideally your bug out location, make that
decision as soon as possible.
Trust your gut.
If you have preps you need to have
at your destination, make that extra trip with
what you can early.
This way, when you bug out for real,
you won't have all of this stuff and
people in your vehicle that may attract the

(10:56):
wrong kind of attention.
Avoid the usual routes as they may be
clogged.
While it's disheartening to think your rights will
be diminished, even under martial law, some legal
protections may still exist.
Seek legal counsel to understand how your rights
may or may not be infringed and as
soon as possible if you believe your rights
have been violated.

(11:17):
Document any interactions with authorities.
If possible, keep records of events, particularly interaction
with military or law enforcement personnel.
If martial law is enacted, it will be
a very dark time.
Of course, no one wants this, but with
events becoming more extreme and unpredictable, being prepared
and having a plan will help you get

(11:38):
through it safely and without undue suffering.
If you've just started your prepping journey, visit
my website urbanladyprepper.com and review the articles
and information beginning with prepping 101 up to
choosing a bug out location, which happens to
be next week's episode.
You can always reach out to me with
any questions.
Thanks for listening.

(11:59):
Stay alert and be safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
I'm sure I've given you some things to
think about as you go through the upcoming
week.
Has this episode resonated with you?

(12:19):
Let me know in the comments.
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(12:41):
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