The Posse Comitatus Act and Related Matters : The Use of the Military to Execute Civilian Law

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service. American Law Division

Available as

Online

Summary

Provides historical analysis of use of Armed Forces to execute domestic law and of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits Federal use of the military to assist civilian law enforcement agencies w...

Provides historical analysis of use of Armed Forces to execute domestic law and of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits Federal use of the military to assist civilian law enforcement agencies without specific constitutional or statutory authority; and addresses their theoretical and constitutional underpinnings. Outlines current application and statutory exceptions of the Posse Comitatus Act, and reviews consequences of its violation.

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