EVOLUTION OF MILITARY JUSTICE

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Evolution and Jurisdiction of Military Law
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Overview

• Evolution of the Military Justice System
• Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)
• Uniqueness of the Military Justice System
• Need for Discipline
• Requirements for Jurisdiction
• Courts-Martial Requirements
• Types of Courts-Martial

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Origins of MilitaryJustice System

• William the Conqueror
• King Gustavus of Sweden
• Courts-martial traced to Romans

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Origins of UCMJ

• First American Articles of War
• Constitution balanced power between
  president/Congress
• President designated Commander-in-Chief
• Congress raises, maintains, makes rules
• Elston Act of 1948

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Purpose of MCM

• Establishes maximum limits for punishments
• Sets clear consistent procedures

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Relationship BetweenMilitary Law Discipline

• Military discipline based on triangle of

TRAINING
CUSTOMS
JUSTICE
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Courts-MartialRequirements

• Legally convened
• Properly constituted
• Power to try accused
• Power to try for offenses charged
• Adjudge punishment within its powers
• Accused must be on active duty

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Three Types of Courts-Martial

• Summary
• Special
• General

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Summary Court-Martial

• No jury
• Tries less serious crimes
• Trial occurs shortly after an arrest

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Summary Court-MartialJurisdiction Limitations

• May not try officers
• May not try a capital offense
• Accused may decline a summary court
• Tried by special or general court

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Summary Court-MartialMaximum Punishments

• Confinement for one month
• Hard labor w/o confinement for 45 days
• Restriction for two months
• Forfeiture of 2/3 pay (one month)
• Reduction to next lower grade (SSgt)
• Reduction to Airman Basic (Below SSgt)

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Special Court-MartialPunishments

• Bad conduct discharge
• Confinement for not more than one year
• Hard labor w/o confinement (3 months)
• Restriction not to exceed 2 months
• Forfeiture 2/3 pay/month (Up to a year)
• Reduction in grade

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General Court-MartialPunitive Discharges

• Dismissal from service (officer only)
• Dishonorable discharge (enlisted)
• Bad conduct discharge (enlisted)
• Confinement

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Offenses of a Civil Nature

• Murder
• Robbery
• Assault

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Offenses of Military Nature

• AWOL
• Sleeping on duty
• Disobedience
• Conduct unbecoming an officer

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Summary

• Evolution of the Military Justice System
• Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)
• Uniqueness of the Military Justice System
• Need for Discipline
• Requirements for Jurisdiction
• Courts-Martial Requirements
• Types of Courts-Martial

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Evolution and Jurisdiction of Military Law