military law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Legal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “military law” mean?
The body of law that governs the armed forces of a country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The body of law that governs the armed forces of a country.
A legal system that applies specifically to members of the military, regulating conduct, discipline, justice, and administration within the armed forces. It is distinct from civilian law and can include rules, procedures, and courts (e.g., courts-martial) for dealing with military offences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core concept is identical. The UK system is often formally referred to within the context of the 'Armed Forces Act'. The US system is codified in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of strict discipline, hierarchy, and a separate justice system.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, appearing in comparable contexts of defence policy, legal discourse, and news reports on military affairs.
Grammar
How to Use “military law” in a Sentence
[subject/object] + be/governed by + military law[person] + be + subject to + military law[act] + violates + military lawunder the provisions of military lawVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “military law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The soldier was court-martialled for offences under military law.
American English
- The contractor was prosecuted under military law for fraud on the base.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in defence contracting contexts discussing compliance.
Academic
Common in law, political science, and history papers discussing legal systems, civil-military relations, or jurisprudence.
Everyday
Uncommon. Typically encountered in news reports about military tribunals or disciplinary cases.
Technical
Core term in military and legal professions. Precise definitions matter, e.g., distinguishing it from the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “military law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “military law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “military law”
- Using 'martial law' as a synonym (they are distinct concepts). Treating it as a countable noun (*'a military law'). Confusing it with international humanitarian law (the laws of war).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Military law governs the internal discipline and justice of a country's own armed forces. The laws of war (International Humanitarian Law) regulate the conduct of warfare between states and the protection of victims of war.
Typically, no. It primarily applies to service members. However, in some jurisdictions and specific circumstances (e.g., civilians accompanying armed forces in a theatre of war, or during historical periods), exceptions have existed, but this is complex and varies.
A court-martial is a judicial court for trying members of the armed forces accused of breaking military law. It is the primary tribunal within the military justice system.
Generally, no. Modern democratic states usually interpret and apply military law in a manner consistent with their international human rights obligations, though specific rights (like freedom of assembly) may be legitimately restricted for service members.
The body of law that governs the armed forces of a country.
Military law is usually formal, academic, legal, journalistic in register.
Military law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪl.ɪ.tri ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪl.ɪˌter.i ˈlɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly idiomatic; a technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MILITARY personnel follow a special LAW. Just as football has its own rules, the military has its own legal rulebook.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A FRAMEWORK/CONTAINER (operating within the framework of military law; subject to the container of military justice).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between 'military law' and 'martial law'?