Cognitionis Civitatis et Politicae
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026)

LEGAL AUTHORITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS BOUNDARIES IN MILITARY POLICING: NAVIGATING THE DUAL MANDATE OF DISCIPLINE ENFORCEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION

Deni Iqbal (Sekolah Staf dan Komando Angkatan Laut)
Hendro Wijiantoro (Sekolah Staf dan Komando Angkatan Laut)
Indriani MR Hutagalung (Sekolah Staf dan Komando Angkatan Laut)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Apr 2026

Abstract

Military policing operates at the intersection of disciplinary authority and civilian engagement, creating complex tensions between enforcement mandates and human rights obligations in contemporary security environments. Expanding roles in peacekeeping, internal security, and hybrid operations have exposed gaps in legal clarity and accountability mechanisms. This study aims to examine how legal authority is defined and applied in military policing and how human rights boundaries are maintained under dual mandates. A qualitative doctrinal and socio-legal approach was employed, combining analysis of legal instruments, comparative frameworks, and secondary operational data across jurisdictions. Findings indicate that while disciplinary authority is comprehensively regulated, civilian engagement rules, detention safeguards, and oversight mechanisms remain inconsistently defined. Policy coherence, institutional oversight, and training significantly influence compliance with human rights standards, while legal ambiguity increases reliance on discretion and risk of violations. The study concludes that effective military policing requires harmonized legal frameworks, explicit operational guidelines, and strengthened accountability systems to balance authority with rights protection. Integration of legal clarity and institutional capacity is essential for ensuring consistent and rights-compliant practice in evolving security contexts.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

politicae

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Cognitionis Civitatis et Politicae is an international forum for the publication of peer-reviewed integrative review articles, special thematic issues, reflections or comments on previous research or new research directions, interviews, replications, and intervention articles - all pertaining to the ...