I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Air Education and Training Command Sustaining the Combat Capability of America’s Air Force Introduction to the Manual for Courts-Martial, Rights of the Accused, and State Codes Sustaining the Combat Capability of America’s Air Force
Overview Purpose of Military Law The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) Rights of an Accused Rights Advisement Training Requirements Parts of a Punitive Article Commonly used Punitive Articles
MP1. Purpose of Military Law Preamble of the MCM: “The purpose of military law is to promote justice, to assist in maintaining good order and discipline in the armed forces, to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the military establishment, and thereby strengthen the national security of the United States”
MP2. Manual for Courts-Martial Overview Part 1: Preamble Part 2: Rules for Courts-Martial (RCM) Part 3: Military Rules of Evidence (MRE) Part 4: The Punitive Articles Part 5: Nonjudical Punishment (NJP) Procedures
MP3. Rights of an Accused Article 31 Presumption of innocence Burden of proof Reasonable Doubt Self-Incrimination Rights Advisement
MP3. Rights of an Accused Article 32 Pretrial Investigation General Courts-Martial Article 38, Right to an attorney Article 27, Equal Qualifications Article 137, UCMJ training requirements Initial entry After completion of 6 months of active duty Upon reenlistment
MP4. Parts of the Punitive Article Articles 77 – 134 Part 1: Text Part 2: Elements Part 3: Explanation Part 4: Lesser Included Offenses Part 5: Maximum Permissible Punishments Part 6: Sample Specifications
MP4. Common Punitive Article Article 85, Desertion Article 86, Absence without leave Article 91, Insubordinate Conduct toward warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer Article 92, Failure to obey order or regulation Article 107, False Official Statement Article 108, Military property of the United States –sale, loss, damage, destruction or wrongful disposition Article 111, Drunken or reckless operation of vehicle, aircraft, or vessel Article 112, Drunk on Duty Article 112a, Wrongful use, possession, etc. of controlled substances Article 117, Provoking Speeches and gestures Article 123a, Making, drawing, or uttering check without sufficient funds Article 128, Assault Article 134, General Article
MP4. Common Punitive Article State Codes Most states have a State Code of Military Justice Found within the state statutes Varies from state to state Examples of State Codes of Military Justice
Summary Purpose of Military Law The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) Rights of an Accused Rights Advisement Training Requirements Parts of a Punitive Article Commonly used Punitive Articles
I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Sustaining the Combat Capability of America’s Air Force