Number: RS21850
Title: Military Courts-Martial: An Overview
Authors: Jennifer K. Elsea, American Law Division 
Abstract: Reports of abuse of detainees held by U.S. military forces in Iraq have drawn attention to the role of military discipline and the military justice system. Under its authority to regulate the armed forces, Congress enacted the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prescribe criminal law and trial procedure for the armed forces. The President implements the UCMJ by issuing the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM). This report provides an overview of military courts-martial: jurisdiction, potential punishments, and the appeals process.
Pages: 6
Date: November 16, 2005