Military Assistance to Law Enforcement Act (1981)

The Military Assistance to Law Enforcement Act of 1981 is a U.S. law that restricts military aid to civilian law enforcement agencies. Its purpose is to prevent the military from directly participating in domestic law enforcement activities, ensuring a clear separation between military and civilian functions. The act aims to protect civil liberties and prevent military involvement from being used in police operations, except under specific circumstances authorized by law. Essentially, it limits how and when the military can assist police, emphasizing civilian control and safeguarding individual rights during domestic law enforcement efforts.