Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 25
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That no citizen of this State, except such as are employed in the army of the United States, or militia in actual service, shall be subjected to punishment under the martial or military law. That martial law, in the sense of the unrestricted power of military officers, or others, to dispose of the persons, liberties or property of the citizen, is inconsistent with the principles of free government, and is not confided to any department of the government of this State.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
Citizens may not be punished under martial or military law unless they are serving in the U.S. army or in the militia on active service. Martial law, meaning unrestricted military power over citizens' persons and property, is not entrusted to any branch of Tennessee government.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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