Conscription Law and Legal Definition
Conscription is the compulsory enrolment of people in a country’s armed forces. Conscription, sometimes-termed compulsory service, usually enrolls young men of a given age for a set period of time. Conscription can also be for an indefinite period. In the case of a widespread mobilization of forces for fighting a war, including the defense of home territory, men in a much wider age group, perhaps 18–55, is enlisted. Many nations do not conscript their soldiers and sailors; instead, they rely upon volunteers or, simply, a professional military. It can be controversial, however, since conscripts may have religious, political or moral reasons for objecting. Because of this, protests have occurred and conscripts have evaded their enlistment even by emigrating.
