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James48

(5,094 posts)
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 12:57 AM Jun 2025

The Posse Comitatus Act applies

The Posse Comitatus Act is a U.S. federal law that limits the use of federal military personnel for domestic law enforcement. Passed in 1878, it prohibits using the Army or Air Force (and, more recently, the Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force) as a posse comitatus or to execute the laws, unless specifically authorized by the Constitution or an Act of Congress.

Key aspects of the Posse Comitatus Act:

Purpose:
The Act was enacted to prevent the federal military from being used to enforce laws or suppress dissent within the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Restrictions:
It generally prevents federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement activities, such as searches, seizures, arrests, or similar activities.

Exceptions:
The Act does allow for certain exceptions where military personnel can be used in domestic law enforcement, such as in cases of domestic violence, protection of federal property, or enforcement of some federal laws and court orders.

Scope:
While the original Act primarily focused on the Army and Air Force, it has been amended to include the Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

National Guard:
The Act's restrictions do not apply to the National Guard when activated by a state's governor under Title 32 of the US Code (State service) . It DOES apply once state Guard troops are federalized under Title 10.

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RockRaven

(18,729 posts)
1. Oh. Are we still pretending that laws and the Constitution bind the Executive?
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 02:24 AM
Jun 2025

Because if you actually observe what happens, you see that they do what they want, and nothing stops them. At most they get an intentionally worthless scolding after the fact with no consequences.

Irish_Dem

(79,856 posts)
3. Yes it is cute and quaint isn't it?
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:18 AM
Jun 2025

Pretending we are a nation of laws, rule of law, and US constitution.

Some people live in the past and find it hard to face reality.

0rganism

(25,474 posts)
2. Applies to who, now? Asking 'cause F47 laughs at all the laws
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 02:54 AM
Jun 2025

Step 1. Float rumors he's about to do some awful unconstitutional thing
Step 2. Call the critics nasty people on TV
Step 3. Do the thing anyway
Step 4. Brag about doing the thing
Step 5. Quickly (i.e. while fallout from Step 3 is still getting started) move on to something at least as awful and unconstitutional, goto Step 1.

The SCOTUS has decreed only congress can hold F47 accountable, and only through impeachment.

Hugin

(37,444 posts)
4. I keep wondering if the PCA applies to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:51 AM
Jun 2025

I’d think it does to some extent. Probably, loosened by the Patriot Act. At least a specific warrant used to be required.

Ah, well… I am not going to hold my breath watching for some sort of actual pushbacks.

They know that if their bulls**t reich is to hold, they must floratex CA. Otherwise, it’s a dead end.

 

Nonnia Bisnez

(90 posts)
5. Military leaders involved
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:57 AM
Jun 2025

would need to determine if the protests meet the definition of an insurrection. Military members can be court martialed for following illegal orders. The statute of limitations for most UCMJ offenses is 5 years. All military members involved would need to decide, but higher ranking members with command responsibility would suffer more consequences. They could also be court martialled for failure to obey legal orders. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. A thought just occurred to me that Lump could issue blanket pardons. This sucks all around.

Vinca

(53,357 posts)
6. That's nice, but who do you think might enforce it? Congress is busy throwing rose petals in Dear Leader's path.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 06:28 AM
Jun 2025

The SCOTUS is bought and paid for, so they're out. We're in a lose-lose situation. At this point I genuinely fear we won't have elections.

 

Nonnia Bisnez

(90 posts)
7. Should be the military leaders involved to refuse illegal orders.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 06:33 AM
Jun 2025

Last edited Sun Jun 8, 2025, 11:02 AM - Edit history (1)

We'll see how much honor is in the officer ranks.

allegorical oracle

(6,187 posts)
8. When I took FEMA training, the Posse Comitatus Act was taught. It's the reason why a
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 09:25 AM
Jun 2025

state's Governor must submit a formal request to the POTUS to have a federal disaster declaration. In more recent years, most presidents have a declaration at the ready -- awaiting that governor's likely request. Was blown away when djt rejected Sarah Hucklebee's Arkansas declaration request.

Otherwise, one of the exceptional reasons (i.e., Insurrection Act) must be invoked if the state's National Guard cannot handle a situation -- a decision generally made between a governor and the state's National Guard Adjutant General.

This president has been itching to use the Insurrection Act, and that can get incredibly dangerous.

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