military court
Noun: A military court is a judicial body composed of commissioned officers. Its primary function is to administer justice within the armed forces, specifically for matters concerning the discipline and punishment of military personnel. It operates under a separate legal system from civilian courts, governed by military law.
A military court is convened to try cases involving violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) or equivalent military legal codes. It handles offenses committed by service members.
- The sergeant was tried before a military court for disobeying a direct order in a combat zone.
- The case of alleged espionage was referred to a military court because the accused was an active-duty officer.
- Decisions made by a military court can be subject to review by a higher appellate court within the military justice system.
- Court-martial: This is the specific term for a proceeding conducted by a military court. A court-martial is the trial itself.
- The general ordered a court-martial to investigate the incident.
- Summary, Special, and General Courts-Martial: These are the three primary types of military courts, differing in the severity of offenses they can try and the possible punishments they can impose.
- Court-martial (noun/verb): The judicial proceeding of a military court. As a verb, it means to try someone in such a court.
- Judge Advocate: A military officer who serves as a legal advisor or prosecutor/defender in a military court.
- Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): The foundation of law for U.S. military courts.
- Tribunal (in a military context)
- Court-martial (as the proceeding)
- Armed forces court
This term refers specifically to the institution and not to a physical courtroom. Its jurisdiction is typically limited to members of the military and, in certain circumstances, civilians accompanying the armed forces in the field. It is a key component of maintaining order and discipline within the military chain of command.
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a judicial court of commissioned officers for the discipline and punishment of military personnel
