Special Court-Martial

A Special Court-Martial is a military court designed to handle less severe offenses than those dealt with by a General Court-Martial. It is composed of a judge and a panel of officers or, in some cases, enlisted personnel. This court can impose a range of penalties, including confinement, demotion, or discharge. Special Court-Martial proceedings are more streamlined than General Court-Martial, generally involving fewer formalities, to ensure a quicker resolution. It serves to uphold military discipline while providing a fair trial for service members accused of misconduct.