§7.4 - Martial Law Procedures and Suspension of Civil Code

(a) The Council of Rivermarch, acting through the Lord Regent, Warden, or appointed General, may declare martial law within specific geographic areas or throughout the entirety of Rivermarch in response to invasion, rebellion, severe magical disruption, planar incursions, or existential threats to the realm’s stability and security.

(b) A declaration of martial law must clearly state:

(i) The cause and necessity of the declaration;
(ii) The geographic scope and duration;
(iii) The specific provisions of the civil Codex to be temporarily suspended or modified.

(c) Martial law declarations shall be immediately communicated to the populace through official channels and registered with the Office of Civic Records.

§7.4.2 - Suspension and Modification of Civil Provisions

(a) Under martial law, certain provisions of the civil Codex, including specific rights enumerated under Title III, may be temporarily suspended, limited, or modified as strictly necessary for public safety, realm defense, or arcane stabilization.

(b) Rights that may not be suspended include:

(i) Protection from torture or magical coercion;
(ii) Basic humane treatment and minimum sustenance for detainees;
(iii) Access to medical and magical care in emergencies.

(c) Any suspension or modification of civil rights shall be clearly documented, justified, and strictly limited to the duration of martial law.

§7.4.3 - Powers and Authorities Under Martial Law

(a) During martial law, the Warden, General, and authorized militia or peace officers shall have expanded authority, including powers to:

(i) Detain persons without immediate tribunal review, subject to later oversight;
(ii) Restrict public movement, assembly, and trade temporarily;
(iii) Conduct warrantless searches or seizures in immediate threat situations;
(iv) Utilize necessary force, including magical and martial means, to maintain order and security.

(b) All exercises of expanded authority must be immediately recorded and reported to the tribunal for post-event review and accountability.

§7.4.4 - Duration, Extension, and Termination

(a) Initial martial law declarations shall not exceed thirty (30) days without Council review, public justification, and formal renewal if necessary.

(b) Extension of martial law requires explicit Council approval, supported by documented evidence of ongoing necessity or persistent threat.

(c) Martial law shall terminate immediately upon cessation of threat or upon majority vote of the Council, with civil Codex provisions and suspended rights fully restored.

§7.4.5 - Tribunal Oversight and Appeals

(a) Actions taken under martial law shall remain subject to tribunal review, with individuals maintaining rights to post-event appeals and tribunal redress for abuses or excessive conduct.

(b) Special tribunals shall be convened within fourteen (14) days following the lifting of martial law to adjudicate grievances or claims arising from its implementation.

§7.4.6 - Accountability and Records

(a) The Warden or commanding General shall submit a detailed Martial Law Action Report within ten (10) days after termination, documenting:

(i) Reasoning and evidence for initial declaration;
(ii) Actions taken, arrests made, force employed, and magical measures enacted;
(iii) Civil rights suspensions or modifications and their duration;
(iv) Any reported violations or disciplinary actions taken against personnel.

(b) All martial law records shall be made available for Council inspection and public review, ensuring transparency and accountability.