State of Emergency
/ˈsteɪt əv ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal declaration by a government activating special powers to address a crisis or extraordinary situation.
The governor declared a state of emergency following the hurricane to mobilize resources.
- (n.) A temporary condition recognized by law that permits suspension or alteration of normal governmental procedures.
During the state of emergency, curfews and restrictions were imposed to maintain public order.
Forms
- states of emergency
Related terms
Commentary
Typically declared by executive authority, the term signals a shift in legal norms to respond to urgent threats; drafting should specify scope, duration, and affected areas clearly.
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.