3.9 Court Martial

A court-martial is a military judicial proceeding that is used to try and adjudicate cases involving members of the armed forces who are accused of committing offenses under military law. Court-martial proceedings are essential for maintaining discipline, order, and justice within the military.

Types of Court-Martial

1. Summary Court-Martial: This is the lowest level of court-martial and is typically used for minor offenses. It is presided over by a single military officer, and the accused has limited rights compared to other types of court-martial.
2. Special Court-Martial: Special court-martials are convened for intermediate-level offenses. A military judge presides over the proceedings, and the panel (jury) is composed of at least three members, typically officers and enlisted personnel.
3. General Court-Martial: General court-martials are convened for the most serious offenses, including felonies. These trials are presided over by a military judge, and the panel consists of at least five members.