Article 32 Hearing

An Article 32 hearing is a procedural step in the U.S. military justice system. It resembles a preliminary hearing in civilian courts, where a military officer investigates allegations against a service member to determine if there is enough evidence for a court-martial. During this hearing, evidence is presented, witnesses may testify, and the officer listens to arguments from both the defense and prosecution. Following the hearing, the officer will provide a recommendation on whether charges should proceed to trial. This process ensures due process and helps protect service members from unwarranted prosecutions.