When a government declares martial law, it suspends normal legal processes and civil liberties, often in response to crisis situations like civil unrest or military threats. Under martial law, military authorities assume control over governance, and civil rights may be restricted to maintain order. This declaration is typically viewed as a drastic measure, reflecting a government's inability to manage a situation through standard legal frameworks. While intended to restore stability, martial law can also lead to widespread concerns about human rights violations and the potential for abuse of power by the military.