State of Exception (Carl Schmitt)

The "State of Exception" as described by Carl Schmitt refers to a situation where a government temporarily bypasses normal laws and constitutional rules during a crisis (such as war, natural disaster, or rebellion). In this state, the ruler or government gains extraordinary powers to address the emergency effectively. Schmitt argued that such states reveal the true authority of sovereign power, as in emergencies, the usual legal constraints are suspended to preserve order and security. This concept highlights the tension between law and the need for decisive action in times of crisis.