UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice)

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the legal framework that governs military personnel in the United States. Established in 1950, it outlines military laws, rules of conduct, and procedures for enforcing discipline within the armed forces. The UCMJ covers a wide range of offenses, from minor infractions to serious crimes, and it provides for courts-martial, nonjudicial punishment, and appeals. While military members have rights under the UCMJ, they are subject to different legal standards than civilians, reflecting the unique nature of military service and the need for order and discipline.