Emergency Creep

Emergency creep arises when temporary crisis measures become permanent, normalizing extraordinary powers.

Why It Matters

• Shifts the balance toward executive dominance.

• Undermines normal checks and balances.

• Conditions the public to accept ongoing rule suspension.

Tell-Tale Signs

• Temporary rules renewed indefinitely.

• Crisis justifications used long after emergencies pass.

• Extraordinary powers integrated into routine governance.

Examples Across Levels

• Local: “Temporary” curfews extended without review.

• State: States of emergency renewed automatically.

• Federal: National security laws used beyond their original scope.

Countermeasures

• Require sunset provisions on all emergency measures.

• Mandate independent review of continuing necessity.

• Ensure legislatures must ratify extensions.

Related Patterns

• Emergency Pretexts 

• Rule Erosion by Precedent