What does Posse Comitatus do?

The posse comitatus (from the Latin for “power of the county”), frequently shortened to posse, is in common law a group of people mobilized by the conservator of peace – typically a sheriff – to suppress lawlessness or defend the county.

Who does Posse Comitatus apply to?

The original Posse Comitatus Act referred exclusively to the United States Army. The Air Force, established during the 20th century initially as a branch of the Army, was added in 1956. The Navy and Marine Corps are not mentioned in the Act but are subject to the same restrictions by Department of Defense regulation.

What is comitatus and how does it relate to the Anglo Saxons?

In Anglo-Saxon literature, comitatus refers to a relationship that benefited both noblemen and freemen. According to the comitatus relationship, nobleman provided the freemen with land in exchange for protection and loyalty. The thane must agree to defend the king or nobleman to his death if necessary.

How does the president declare martial law?

When martial law is in effect, the military commander of an area or country has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws. 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 does comitatus mean?

Comitatus was in ancient times the Latin term for an armed escort or retinue. The term was used especially in the context of Germanic warrior culture, for a warband tied to a leader by an oath of fealty.

What is the definition of Posse?

Posse started out as a technical term in law, part of the term “posse comitatus,” which in Medieval Latin meant power or authority of the county. As such, it referred to a group of citizens summoned by a sheriff to preserve the public peace as allowed for by law.

What does comitatus mean in Latin?

Etymology. In later Latin, the infinitive “posse” comes to mean “power.”. “comitātūs” is the genitive of the noun “comitātus,” which means “county.”. “posse comitatus” literally means: “the power of the county.”. In its earliest days the posse comitatus was subordinate to king, country and local authority.