What might be subject to a court-martial?

A court-martial is empowered to determine the guilt of members of the armed forces subject to military law, and, if the defendant is found guilty, to decide upon punishment. In addition, courts-martial may be used to try prisoners of war for war crimes.

What court reviews the more serious court-martial convictions of military personnel?

A general court-martial is the military’s highest level trial court. This court tries service members for the most serious crimes.

What type of offenses can cause a court-martial?

Some of these crimes, such as larceny, arson, manslaughter, or conspiracy, are similar to civilian crimes. Others, such as desertion, mutiny, and insubordination, are specific to the military. All service members who violate the UCMJ, regardless of their branch of service, are subject to a potential court-martial.

How bad is a court-martial?

In General Courts-Martial, service members face a wide range of punishments, including confinement, reprimand, loss of all pay and allowances, reduction to the lowest enlisted pay grade, a punitive discharge (bad-conduct discharge, dishonorable discharge, or dismissal), restrictions, fines, and, in some cases, capital …

What is an Article 30a UCMJ?

“(1) Proceedings may be conducted to review, or otherwise act on, the following matters before referral of charges and specifications to court-martial for trial in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President: “(C) Pre-referral matters referred by an appellate court.

Can a court-martial be overturned?

If you are convicted by special or general court-martial, your case will get automatically reviewed by the person who referred the case for court-martial. This person, called the “convening authority,” has the right to mitigate the findings and sentence. The convening authority can also dismiss the charges.