The Posse Comitatus Act is a foundational U.S. federal law that establishes a critical separation between the nation's military and its civilian police functions. Enacted in 1878, this single-sentence statute is a powerful expression of the American tradition that guards against the use of the armed forces as a domestic police force. What the Act Prohibits The core of the Posse Comitatus Act (codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1385) states: "Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps, or the Space Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both." In practical terms, the law prohibits the active-duty federal military from: Making arrests or searching people and property. Seizing evidence for criminal proceedings. Conducting interr...
Named after the mythical "seeing stones" from The Lord of the Rings, Palantir Technologies is far more than a conventional software company; it is an architect of data-driven power, quietly underpinning the operations of the world's most critical governments, militaries, and corporations. By building platforms that integrate and analyze vast, disparate datasets—from intelligence reports to logistics, and healthcare records—Palantir has positioned itself at the nexus of global decision-making, transforming complex information into actionable intelligence. The Dual-Use Superpower: Gotham and Foundry Palantir's influence is primarily channeled through its two flagship products: Palantir Gotham: This platform is the company's tool for the national security and defense sectors. It is extensively used by U.S. and allied intelligence agencies, armed forces, and police departments. Gotham helps analysts and operators fuse data—including call records, finan...