“GOOD SOLDIER” DEFENSE NOW BARRED FROM MILITARY COURT

Once a criminal trial begins in civilian court, facts concerning the incident in question are of the utmost importance and there is little opportunity assert the character of the accused. However, in military court, the opposite often proved true and the military service record– submitted as proof of outstanding character– was a critical piece of … Read more

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JUNIOR OFFICER BLACK MARKS WILL NO LONGER BE MASKED

Since 1997, it has been Army policy that junior officer evaluations would be sealed from boards reviewing captains and chief warrant officers for further promotion. This long-standing policy has now been reversed and all promotion boards will have access to all junior officer records and evaluations. The policy will also stand for school and command … Read more

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SOME MARINES TO BE DISCHARGED BEFORE HOLIDAY SEASON

Some Marines may get an early Christmas present this year, coming in the form of early release from active duty. On November 4 th, it was posted in a Marine administrative message that Marines that are scheduled to separate from active duty between December 15 th and January 5 th and are usually granted leave for the holiday season can … Read more

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DRILL SERGEANT COURT-MARTIALED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

One of the hot-button topics concerning the military has been cases of sexual assault and preventing these incidents in the future. The latest studies even suggest that occurrences of sexual assault against military members are more prevalent than previously thought. Another such story made headlines recently, as a Fort Leonard drill sergeant is being court-martialed … Read more

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ALLEGED AIR FORCE ACADEMY SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM RELUCTANT TO TESTIFY

A recent Air Force Academy hearing resulted in an alleged victim stating that the accused was their friend and they did not want to see them on trial. The accused is a third-year Air Force Academy cadet that has been charged with sexual assault and abusive sexual contact. The cadet further faces a charge of … Read more

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MILITARY MISHANDLED CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES

A recent report has found that the military’s investigations into child sexual abuse allegations were improperly done and contained deficiencies. Ten cases were suggested to be reopened to correct the faults found in the investigations. REPORT REVEALS COMMON CASE DEFICIENCIES The Inspector General of the United States Department of Defense released a report in September … Read more

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ENCOURAGING SIGNS FROM NAVY’S NEW SEXUAL ASSAULT TRAINING

The Navy is stepping up its efforts to curb sexual assaults on its bases by adding more informational and engaging training sessions. This is in addition to revising its policies on reporting, investigating, and prosecuting sexual assaults. They have also put better protections in place for victims. The Navy has spent the last few years … Read more

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MORE CHARGES BROUGHT FORWARD FOR SAILOR’S HOMICIDE

More charges have been brought forward in the tragic homicide case of a navy petty officer stationed in Germany. A solider is facing trial on October 14, 2014 on charges of making a false official statement and helping to conceal a crime. The soldier is a known friend of an Air Force staff sergeant who … Read more

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IS GOING AWOL EVER THE RIGHT OPTION?

Here is an example. This is a hypothetical situation and is in no way an actual case. SGT John Brown’s uncle passed away. He brought this to the attention of his command; however, they had just returned from block leave and he didn’t have any remaining leave days. The commander wouldn’t authorize emergency leave because … Read more

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ATTORNEY JOSEPH L. JORDAN BECOMES MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS: TOP 40 UNDER 40

Joseph Jordan, UCMJ Law is proud to announce that Attorney Joseph L . Jordan recently earned inclusion to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 – a professional legal organization that recognizes the top trial lawyers in the United States. The National Trial Lawyers is a professional invitation-only organization that reviews nominees using a rigorous, multi-phase … Read more

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