Paramilitary Force

/ˌpærəˈmɪlɪtɛri fɔːrs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An organized group that is not part of a formal military but engages in paramilitary activities, often with semi-military structure, sometimes operating alongside or independently of state forces.
    The government deployed a paramilitary force to assist in controlling the civil unrest.
  2. (n.) A group recognized by law or regulation as having authority or capacity to perform military or security functions without being part of the official armed forces.
    Certain paramilitary forces have legal authority to enforce border security in specialized jurisdictions.

Forms

  • paramilitary force
  • paramilitary forces

Commentary

The term 'paramilitary force' often appears in legal texts defining the limits and authorities of non-regular military groups; clarity on their status is crucial for determining legal accountability.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Paramilitary Force Definition