The laws are silent amid arms.

Explanation

In times of open conflict or armed tumult, the ordinary processes of law are necessarily suspended — but this maxim is a description of fact, not a license for tyranny; the moment arms are laid down, the law resumes its full authority.

Where this applies

• Martial law is declared and normal legal processes are suspended.
• During a military emergency, the civilian courts defer to military authority.

See also

• 1.5.30 The laws sometimes sleep, but never die.
• 1.7.9 Where the law ends, tyranny begins.
• 12.6.1 Necessity has no law.