field court martial

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Military tribunal: A "field court martial" is a court of law convened by military authorities in a combat zone or field of operations to try soldiers for offenses against military law. It operates under expedited procedures compared to standard courts-martial.
Usage Examples
  • (A military court held near the front lines.)
  • (Expedited legal proceedings in combat areas.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To convene a field court martial": To formally establish such a court.

    • The commanding officer convened a field court martial to address the mutiny. (The officer set up the tribunal on site.)

  • "Summary field court martial": A more rapid, less formal version of the field court martial, used for minor offenses.

    • The sergeant faced a summary field court martial for insubordination. (A quick military trial.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Court-martial (n): a general military court (not specific to field conditions).

    • He was sentenced by a court-martial for treason. (A standard military trial.)

  • Field (adj): relating to operations in the field, i.e., away from base.

    • Field operations require strict discipline. (Activities in combat zones.)
Synonyms
  • Military tribunal: a court for trying military personnel.
  • Drumhead court-martial: a historical term for a very rapid field court-martial, often held immediately after an offense.
Phrasal Verbs (None directly applicable, but related usage)
  • To try by court-martial: to subject someone to a military trial.
    • The general decided to try the prisoner by court-martial. (To put on trial in a military court.)
Related Idioms
  • "Court-martial offense": an action serious enough to warrant a military trial.
    • Stealing ammunition is a court-martial offense in any army. (A crime punishable by military law.)
Additional Notes
  • The term "field court martial" is distinct from a "general court-martial" (for serious crimes) or a "summary court-martial" (for minor infractions). It emphasizes the location and urgency of the proceedings.