posse comitatus

American  

[pos-ee kom-i-tah-tuhs, -tey-] / ˈpɒs i ˌkɒm ɪˈtɑ təs, -ˈteɪ- /

noun

1. the body of persons that a peace officer of a county is empowered to call upon for assistance in preserving the peace, making arrests, and serving writs.

2. a body of persons so called into service.

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posse comitatus British  

/ ˌkɒmɪˈtɑːtəs /

noun

1. the formal legal term for posse

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Etymology

Origin of posse comitatus

1620–30; < Medieval Latin: posse of the county

Example Sentences

“There is a law on the books, confirmed by the Constitution, called ‘posse comitatus,’” Pritzker told reporters earlier this month.

From Salon

“There is a law on the books, confirmed by the Constitution, called ‘posse comitatus,'” Pritzker said.

From Salon

Authorities back then could marshal a crew of civilians, called a posse comitatus, to assist them, as sometimes happened in California during the Gold Rush.

From Los Angeles Times

Moreover, it is actually the first time on U.S. soil where the FBI and the Defense Department are collaborating on a program, which raises a whole bunch of other issues about posse comitatus.

From Salon

How startling would any development have to be — a posse comitatus violation?

From Washington Post