Just heard explanation of "Martial Law" being declared in 3 parishes

[AnnInLa]

LA attorney-general just issued decision....Three parishes, Orleans, Jefferson, and ? cant remember.....issued a declaration of "loose" martial law. Atty Gen said that in dire circumstances that Parish Officials CAN declare martial law for their parish, it doesn't have to come from the governor, it includes comandeering of vehicles, but not property, and includes ability to handle dangerous situations with whatever precautions they deem necessary, if people are impeding the mainenance of law & order, or rescue, or protection. These parish officials do not have complete carte blanche as a President would have, only for the length of time of the disaster. The atty-gen of Louisiana says it is legal, according to state and fed law.

[Kagemusha]

1. I'm pretty sure the legal analysis at the end *is* correct.

Precisely because it is so limited, and incorporates acts deemed necessary to the functioning of emergency services for the health and safety of society and its citizens.

A hell of a lot purer motive than usual.

[liberaliraqvet26]

2. the mayor did this on sunday morning..

it's not as dramatic as they are making it sound.

[ecoflame]

3. And with martial law

isn't there a curfew - like dawn to dusk kind of thing - seriously.

[NYC]

4. It must be too dangerous to go out after dark, anyway.

Things are floating in the water. There are no streetlights. Only desperation would send people out at night.

[ultraist]

6. Yes, post flood conditions are very dangerous

Live electrical wires dangling in puddles, floating debris, buildings that are compromised structurally, etc make for treacherous conditions.

[AnnInLa]

5. yes....Parish Officials can declare official curfews