Definition

1. Noun:
   • The body of laws and rules of conduct administered by military courts for the discipline, trial, and punishment of military personnel. This is a specialized legal system distinct from civilian law, governing the conduct of members of the armed forces.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The soldier was tried under military law for disobeying a direct order.
  • Understanding military law is essential for all officers.
  • The code of justice is a key component of U.S. military law.

Advanced Usage

• "to be subject to military law": to be under the jurisdiction of the military legal system.
  • All active-duty personnel are subject to military law, even when off base.
• "a violation of military law": an act that breaks the rules of the military legal code.
  • Desertion is a serious violation of military law.

Variants and Related Words

• Court-martial (n/v): A military court or the process of trying someone in such a court.
  • He faced a court-martial for his actions.
• Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) (n): The foundation of military law in the United States.
  • The UCMJ codifies military law for all U.S. armed services.

Synonyms

• Martial law: (Note: This is a distinct concept referring to the imposition of direct military control over civilian functions in a time of emergency, not the internal law governing military personnel.)
• Service law: A term sometimes used synonymously with military law, particularly in British and Commonwealth contexts.

Related Phrases

• Military tribunal: A court operating under military law.
  • The case was heard by a military tribunal.
• Articles of War: Historical term for codes of military law.

Noun

1. the body of laws and rules of conduct administered by military courts for the discipline, trial, and punishment of military personnel