Court-Martial Proceedings

Court-martial proceedings are legal processes used by the military to try service members accused of breaking military laws, known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These proceedings can handle serious offenses, including crimes that are unique to military life, like desertion or insubordination. A court-martial can be classified as summary, special, or general, based on the severity of the charges and the level of court involved. Proceedings are conducted by military judges and panels, and the accused has the right to defense counsel. Outcomes can include punishment ranging from reprimands to imprisonment or discharge.