Summary Courts-Martial

Summary Courts-Martial are a military judicial process used to address minor offenses committed by service members. They provide a quicker, less formal way to handle cases compared to higher courts-martial. Typically, a single officer acts as the judge and can impose penalties such as reduction in rank, fines, or confinement. The process is designed to maintain discipline and order within the military while ensuring that service members receive a fair trial. Appeals are limited, and these courts focus on less serious violations, aiming to resolve issues efficiently without the complexity of more formal proceedings.