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CNN Live At Daybreak

Ask CNN: What is Martial Law?

Aired November 15, 2001 - 07:50   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: Josie Santos from Fort Lauderdale asks: What is martial law?

EILEEN O'CONNOR, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Well, Josie, martial law is really the most extreme measure a president can take in wartime. It involves substituting the military for civilian authority. For instance, instead of police, it will be soldiers guarding the streets.

(voice-over): The president who declares martial law must defend his decision by saying that the security and the welfare of the nation requires him to govern through the use of military force, and not through established law.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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