UCMJ: Courts-Martial

Question 0

Who may be tried by a Summary Courts-Martial?

Answer 0

Only enlisted personnel may be tried by Summary Courts-Martial.

Question 1

What is a Summary Courts-Martial?

Answer 1

SUMMARY COURTS-MARTIAL: A Courts-Martial composed if a commissioned officer on Active Duty with the grade of Captain or above. The purpose of a Summary Courts-Martial is to make thorough and impartial inquiries into minor offenses and to make sure that justice is done, with interests of both the government and the accused.

Question 2

What is the maximum punishment issued by a Summary Courts-Martial to Soldiers pay grade E4 or below?

Answer 2

• Confinement at hard labor for one month.
• Forfeiture of two-thirds of a month’s pay for one month.
• Reduction to lowest enlisted grade.

Question 3

What is a Special Courts-Martial?

Answer 3

SPECIAL COURTS-MARTIAL: A Courts-Martial consisting of a military judge and not less than three panel members when requires. It is held for relatively serious offenses.

Question 4

What is the maximum punishment able to be issued by a Special Courts-Martial?

Answer 4

• Confinement at hard labor for one year.
• Forfeiture of two-thirds of a month’s pay for one year.
• Reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.
• Some Special Courts-Martial are empowered to rule on a Bad Conduct Discharge. This punitive discharge deprives a Soldier of many veterans’ benefits.

Question 5

What is a General Courts-Martial?

Answer 5

GENERAL COURTS-MARTIAL: A Courts-Martial consisting if a military judge and not less than five panel members when required. It is bd for serious offenses.

Question 6

What is the maximum punishment a General Courts-Martial is able to issue?

Answer 6

A General Courts-Martial may impose any authorized punishment including the death penalty in certain cases.