MILITARY LAW BLOG
Could the Former Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Face Charges?
The Navy’s top admiral, Mike Gilday, will soon decide the fate of Navy Captain Brett Crozier, the former commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Then-acting Navy Secretary, Thomas Modly, fired Crozier on April 2 after Crozier emailed more than 20 people outside his chain of command explaining the dire situation regarding his … Read more
Non-Unanimous Jury Verdicts Are Still Allowed in Courts-Martial Cases
Americans place a strong emphasis on their constitutional rights and the importance of a fair legal system. In 48 states and federal court, the vote from a single juror to acquit a defendant is enough to prevent a conviction. But in Louisiana and Oregon, people have been punished on a 10-to-2 or 11-to-1 verdict since … Read more
Understanding and Defending Against Allegations of Article 120, Sexual Assault
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the military’s code of law. It covers everything from minor infractions to serious felonies. Article 120 relates specifically to sexual misconduct, including sexual contact, assault, and rape. Sex crimes always receive harsh punishments, but the sentence could be even more severe if you are enlisted in the … Read more
MILITARY JUDGE’S RELATIONSHIP GROUNDS FOR COURT-MARTIAL REVERSAL
The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) recently ruled that a military judge’s failure to disqualify himself from a case was grounds to reverse the verdict and authorize a rehearing. It stated that the judge’s inappropriate relationship with the prosecutor’s wife undermined “public confidence in the judiciary and military justice system.” STAFF SERGEANT APPEALS … Read more
NMCCA REVERSES DECISION REGARDING COURT-MARTIAL JURISDICTION OF FLEET RESERVISTS
In a not so surprising turn, the en banc Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) reversed a previous decision that stated that Articles 2(a)(4) and 2(a)(6) violate the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. The current ruling finds that the jurisdictional schemes of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) apply differently to Fleet Reservists … Read more
PANEL RELEASES REPORT ADDRESSING ISSUES IN JAG COMMUNITY
PANEL RELEASES REPORT ADDRESSING ISSUES IN NAVY AND MARINE CORPS JAG COMMUNITIES In August of 2019, Richard Spencer, who at the time was the Secretary of the Navy, ordered a review of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps) and the Marine Corps Judge Advocate (JA) to uncover organizational and procedural issues contributing to … Read more
ARMY CCA SAYS UNDERAGE DRINKING NOT DEFINED AS PUNITIVE
The Army Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) recently announced that the Army regulation that prohibits underage drinking – AR 600-85, 3-2c – is not punitive. In other words, the regulation may prohibit underaged service members from drinking alcohol, but it does not raise any punitive charges if the regulation is violated. Army CCA judges found … Read more
NAVY-MARINE CCA REVERSES SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICTION DUE TO “FACTUAL INSUFFICIENCY”
In United States v. Gilpin, the sexual assault conviction is reversed by the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA). According to the CCA’s review, the conviction was based primarily on testimonies from the alleged victim, which were deemed “factually insufficient.” The victim claimed they had been unconscious due to heavy intoxication while the accused sexually assaulted them, … Read more
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National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 Brings 3 Significant Provisions
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA FY20) was recently unveiled by Congress, passed, and signed by President Trump. The NDAA outlines how Congress intends to “raise and support” the military for the next fiscal year, setting budget guidelines and expectations. The NDAA also introduces new military justice provisions for further legislative … Read more
Mass Arrest Of Marines In Battalion Formation Ruled As Unlawful Command Influence
In July, 16 Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton were arrested while about 800 other military service members joined in a battalion formation. The commanding officer of the battalion asked the Marines to come forward and held a red folder, which is usually used in ceremonies to award service members. Instead of awarding them, though, the … Read more
Presidential pardons for 1st lt. Lorance & major golsteyn, rank restoration for chief gallagher
A recent press release issued by the White House has announced that President Trump has given clemency to two military service members and a rank restoration to another. Army First Lieutenant Clint Lorance and Army Major Mathew Golsteyn were each given an Executive Grant of Clemency (Full Pardon) for their unrelated military criminal cases. Special Warfare Operator First … Read more
Court-Martial Jurisdiction Does Apply to Retirees, Says Air Force CCA
The Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (AFCCA) has affirmed that it is sometimes possible and necessary to bring a retired service member before court-martial for judgement and penalties relating to pending criminal accusations. To some, the decision contradicts the purpose and intent of court-martial, which is meant to exclude civilians from its jurisdiction. However, with the … Read more