Posse Comitatus is a Latin term that literally translates to "power of the county." It refers to the legal doctrine that prohibits the use of the military for law enforcement purposes within the United States because it infringes on the right to due process. Alternatives to this term include "sheriff's posse," "county militia," or "citizen militia." These phrases all refer to a group of citizens who are authorized by law to assist law enforcement officials in the apprehension of criminals or the maintenance of public order. While the term "posse comitatus" is the most widely used, the alternatives convey the same basic concept.