Martial Law and Private Property

[kalos72]

My team, originally focusing on east Texas, has been talking about expanding our campaign past the Texas borders.

In the chaos that is Texas, private land or property ownership is at the end of a gun so the military coming in and taking land to use as farmland to feed itself hasn't met much resistance.

But as we move out from there, there will be alot of people who owned the land before T2K that will not be all to excited when we try and confiscate the land.

We had talked about making an oil backed currency to "compensate" the owner for the lose maybe?

What have you guys done about Martial Law and private ownership of land or assets?

[RN7]

Originally Posted by kalos72

What have you guys done about Martial Law and private ownership of land or assets?

It would depend on who the lawful authority is and what currency they use.

In my T2K German write up (also from GDW UK Sourcebook) the military authorities are promoting the use of the Deutschemark for all transactions and payments. The Deutschemark is supported by the existence of Germany's very large gold reserves which survived the war. I think GDW UK Sourcebook also has lawful areas in Britain still using Pound Sterling. I think other forms of currency (government issues credit slip, payment-in-kind, barter or even gold and silver) just doesn't work as well or is less practical.

In regards to private property. Well its still exists in lawful areas but civilians still residing in their pre-war dwellings or who have occupied and claim ownership of property have to pay a tax or rent on it in whatever currency is being used. The tax guarantees legally recognised ownership or claim in the eyes of the authorities, and also guarantees protection by the authorities to your ownership if someone or group tries to take it. Also the tax guarantees physical protection from the authorities if you or your property is under attack.

In my T2k Germany civilians living in lawful areas are required to register with the authorities to file property title claims and for census. If you are homeless the authorities will provide you with shelter. The authorities will also assign you and your dependents paid work to your ability, and will give you a ration book to claim food supplies for your family from the government. The ration book is also a form of ID and can be used to access medical assistance from the authorities. If you don't register then you loose any rights and are residing in a lawful area outside of the law; ie you are a criminal.

[kalos72]

But are they working there own and or government owned?

Historically my campaign has used a "manor" type system, the gov assigns you a square mile of farmland, you and your family work it, 40 acres goes to you and 600 to the gov.

But that was because most of east Texas isn't the original population so ownership isnt much of an issue. So we had thousands of acres that we could ue to reassign to working farms supporting our military.

But as you move out, I am assuming that other area that weren't invaded by 2-3 different "armies" still have a high original population. High being relative to the what 60% die off or what not.

Does YOUR version of Martial Law included suspension of the right for people to own land/assets or simply the gov's ability to seize it if its of strategic importance? Surely your not going to let a civilian own the only working refinery in Texas....

[kalos72]

Here is the outline was previously discussed, remember this is a campaign set in Texas where parts of the USAEUR return to Texas.

The following guidelines apply to any and all counties/regions/cities currently deemed “unpacified” or “hostile” to military personnel or citizens of the United States of America.

- Civil/Military Law - All civilian and military laws apply. All judgment/sentencing decisions will be made by the closest military commander or personnel assigned by the military commander - The death penalty can be used as a sentence for ALL CASES - NO APPEAL PROCESS - NO JURY TRIALS

- Dusk to Dawn Travel Restrictions - No civilian shall travel outside of his/her own private property between dusk to dawn. Any civilian living within the county and caught travelling after curfew would be detained and possibly fined or imprisoned.

- Civil Rights - Civil rights can be suspended at anytime - Civil rights are in effect but can be suspended at anytime - NO HABEAS CORPUS

- Personal property - Property or assets can be requisitioned as needed by military personnel - Receipts will be provided for all property/assets so requisitioned - Crude vouchers can be used to help compensate for any lost value to the owner - Proof of Ownership of the property/asset MUST be provided before any receipt or compensation is offered


All feedback is welcome!!!! PLEASE!!!