Day 2 Part 2 Flashcards
What does taking the oath of office as a military officer entail?
By raising your right hand and taking the oath, you commit to supporting and defending the Constitution, as well as abiding by the UCMJ, MCM, and all applicable military instructions and directives.
Identify the functions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)
A primary function of the UCMJ was to modify and consolidate the Army Articles of War, Articles for the Government of the Navy, and Disciplinary Laws of the Coast Guard
A primary function of the MCM is to address the field of military justice as thoroughly as possible under the restrictions of a working manual
What role does an officer play in the military justice system?
Officers are responsible for upholding military standards, preferring charges, investigating offenses, and serving on courts-martial, among other duties related to military justice.
Recognize the need for a military justice system
Discipline
Crimes unique to the military
Military Justice Worldwide
How is military justice related to civilian criminal law?
Military justice is closely related to civilian criminal law but is based on a separate judicial system that operates under the U.S. Constitution.
What powers does the Constitution grant to the President and Congress in relation to the military?
The Constitution designates the President as Commander in Chief of the armed forces and gives Congress the power to raise and support an Army, maintain a Navy, and make rules for governing the military forces.
Sources of Military Law
The US Constitution
International Law
UCMJ and MCM
What is International Law
Law of War - Customary and Treaty Law
Apply the amount and kind of force necessary for the purpose of war
What is the Geneva Conventions
Deals with humanitarian issues
No attacks on civilian populations
Avoidance of disproportionate suffering
List service members’ rights within the military justice system
○ Rights Advisement
○ Compulsory Self-Incrimination Prohibited
○ Right to Counsel
○ Search, Seizure, and Inspection
Identify the methods and associated tools available within the UCMJ to maintain discipline
○ Preventive Discipline
○ Administrative Tools
■ Unfavorable Information Files (UIFs)
■ Control Roster
■ Counseling, Admonitions, and Reprimands
○ Nonjudicial Punishment
■ Article 15
○ Judicial Punishment
■ Summary Court-Martial: Tries minor offenses
■ Special Court-Martial: Tries offenses to the intermediate
severity
■ General Court-Martial: Tries the most serious offenses
Why was the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) created?
The UCMJ was created to standardize and consolidate military laws for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, addressing issues of inconsistent punishment and inadequate review processes.
When was the UCMJ enacted and what was its purpose?
The UCMJ was enacted on 5 May 1950 to consolidate military laws and modify the Army Articles of War, Navy Articles, and Coast Guard disciplinary laws.
What authority did Congress give to the President when enacting the UCMJ?
Congress gave the President the authority to issue implementing instructions, which led to the creation of the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM).
When was the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) issued, and by whom?
The MCM was issued on 8 February 1951 by President Harry S. Truman as an executive order to implement the UCMJ.
What is the primary function of the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)?
The MCM addresses military justice in detail, including the Constitution, UCMJ, court-martial procedures, rules of evidence, and guides for writing charges and specifications.
Why doesn’t the MCM require frequent reference to the UCMJ?
The MCM is designed to be comprehensive, containing relevant materials such as the full texts of the Constitution, UCMJ, court-martial procedures, and rules of evidence.
What is an example of a crime unique to the military?
Absent Without Leave (AWOL) is a uniquely military crime, as it can endanger a unit’s mission and put others at risk, unlike civilians who simply face personal consequences for missing work.
Why are military members better suited to serve on courts-martial?
Military members understand military offenses better and are more equipped to consider the impact of offenses, such as dereliction of duty, on mission success and safety.
What role does the mobile nature of the military play in the need for a separate justice system?
The military’s global mobility requires a justice system that can be applied worldwide, ensuring discipline and legal oversight in any location, without being restricted by territorial boundaries.
What are two of the most important legal rights for military personnel?
The rights to remain silent and consult with a lawyer are guaranteed under the UCMJ and the Constitution.
What is Article 31 of the UCMJ?
Article 31 requires that military suspects be advised of their rights against self-incrimination before being interrogated, similar to the Miranda rights in civilian law.
What does the Fifth Amendment protect in relation to military justice?
The Fifth Amendment prohibits compulsory self-incrimination, meaning no one can be forced to confess or testify against themselves.
Can evidence obtained without advisement of rights be used in a court-martial?
No, if a suspect is not advised of their rights or if coercion is used, any statements made would be inadmissible in court.